Disclaimer: Here is my next chapter to Under the Scarlet Moon. I own
nothing, but I shall adore Aoshi forever. Please R&R and let me know how
I'm doing. Hope you enjoy it! Just a warning, things get a little physical
in this chapter.
Introduction
Memories are often held dear to us. Times of our laughter, times of our joy, times of tears and suffering memories are what remind of us of our past. We try to hold on to them as people come and go through our lifetime. We grew deplorable when those memories start to fade like the worn black and white photos in your photo album. Memories, are the only things that remind us of the past, if the memories are to fade, we will forget forever, and never remember yesterday.
Some say that when you meet someone, you never fully forget their face. Something in the back of your mind triggers the past, as you try so hard to remember their name or something that they had once told you. You waste your time pondering, never fully knowing at all.
But all I ever want to do is forget...I want to forget that night so that the pictures can grow old and creased. I want to leave that behind, and try to start again, but I never can. My father once told me, "Don't let your past change you into something your not, but let be part of the person you become"
Chapter 3 Awaken
After Aoshi and I had come to the decision of marriage, nothing was ever the same. For a while, we both debated on telling Aunt Hikaru of our news. It seemed only fair to tell her, because it was a way of honoring our fathers. On the other hand, Aunt Hikaru might find our idea completely wild and unorthodox.
Traditions were traditions, and Aoshi and I strongly believed that. Deep in my heart though, I doubted this idea of ours. I wondered if we were only acting like silly teenagers and not fully thinking through about our futures. This was the man mother and father wanted me to marry, but yet still I did not even fully know Aoshi. We decided...that we would wait awhile before telling Hikaru.
That night, when I was actually conscious, we both stared down at the couple's bed before us. I had not realized it when I was asleep earlier, could you truly blame me, I wasn't conscious after all. I quaffed slowly and could feel myself shifting weight from one foot to the other; I often did that when I was nervous.
Aoshi could only sternly stand and clear is throat a few times. He would stare at the ceiling, and I could see a thin line of blush flame against his cheeks. Bashfully, we both slid into our sides of the bed, each prying oneself to the very edge of the bed. I could not even face him I glowed with embarrassment.
For a while, I stared at the wall that stood before me. I could not even move and I hardly remember breathing. For a while, the time dragged on slowly and I could pretend to be asleep. I would close my eyes again and again, but no soothing dreams would come to comfort me.
Just as I had found some comfort, I felt something weave through my hair.
"Anju-san?"
"Yes Aoshi-Chan?"
"Can you not sleep either?"
"No Aoshi, no dreams come to me tonight, I am to melancholy and deplorable. I trouble myself wondering about Tai and Kip, and I cannot help but feel lonely without my parents or Grandmother Meiko."
I felt Aoshi slide closer to me and I became aware that it was indeed he who was weaving his hands through my hair.
"I am here Anju-san"
"And I am grateful that you are. I cannot help but feel selfish, because I do know that you miss your mother and home dearly."
"Do not say you are selfish, it is understandable you feel the way you do..." He dipped his face into my hair, being lost in its strands "Oh Anju- san...your hair is so silky and soft, it is like the doves wings"
"Those retched strands, it takes me hours to tame it and make it at least presentable to a low level"
"It does not matter how much trouble there is along the way, as long as you make it to your destination."
I only sighed now feeling my weariness. "Mmmm..." after a while I felt his playful fingers stop and the silence filled the room "Aoshi-Chan?"
But there was no response. Aoshi had fallen at peace, his chin resting on my shoulder. I only sighed, realizing how much he reminded me of a child due to his sleeping habits.
I awoke at the crack of dawn, finding Aoshi still sleeping. I squirmed out of bed carefully and went to the water chambers. After bathing and laving, I began my morning meditation. Although I only spent a year with Hiko, his old habits never seemed to fade away. I sat cross-legged in the garden and began my breathing exercises. I listened to my surroundings; the calling of the birds, the splashing of the fish, Aunt Hikaru down the hallway beginning to prepare our morning meals, Aoshi's breathing, I could hear Aoshi's breathing as if he were breathing against my ears.
After an hour or so I stood up and began stretches. I then quickly walked back to the dojo where a found a sword I could practice with. My original swords were back at the dojo, long gone and now melted with the ashes of my home. I knew where I could get an identical replacement, and I would later as Hikaru if I could go.
I began my sword practice session with sharp vertical slices, trying to push off my dominant leg forcing myself to get a stronger product. I continued this motion for a hundred more swings, occasionally letting out a shout when I exerted my energy.
I then continued my training with horizontal slices. That was very repetitive as the vertical slices were. I then quickly moved on to something you'd call a spin slash. The motion was that with one hand I would grip the sword and give a horizontal slash, while still moving my feet and eventually causing a circular motion. This attack I mostly used when surrounded by many enemies at once, it did not apply much damage, but the wind speeds caused by your motions often threw the enemy off balance.
I carried on with another technique. In this movement I it was just continual attacks trying to ease the transition between them as much as possible. The hardest move for me is the left upper cut. Because I am right handed, it is often hard for me to do a switch off with the hands and still have plenty of speed to inflict a serious amount of damage.
I was and still am indeed the only other person besides the Hitokiri Batosi to master of Hiko's sword style the Hiten Mitserugi, but that does not make me a flawless swordsman in general. I was still only 17, and I had many more years to train and perfect myself.
I was entirely incognizant to the fact that Aoshi had been watching me this whole time. Only when I stopped to wipe away the sweat that beaded on my face did I hear him begin to applaud. I quickly twisted around and looked at him with a hint of anger and a huge amount of embarrassment.
"So you weren't bluffing when you spoke to the Batosi that night."
"Aoshi, I would never lie about my talents or my real father," I snapped back at him turning away.
"I am sorry Anju-san, I did not mean to offend you."
"Well you did. I may be a woman, but that does not mean I can't handle swordsmanship"
Aoshi stood up and walked over to me. "You are right. You handle the sword beautifully; you have your father's blood thriving through your veins. He would indeed be proud of you" I smiled and turned back to him "So am I forgiven loving Anju-san?" he gave me a pouted look begging for his forgiveness. "Yes. You are forgiven Aoshi. But next time, do not peek and my training. I like that I am alone, watchers throw off my concentration."
"Understood Anju-san, thank you for forgiving me"
He bowed to me humbly grinning. I bowed back and then looked up as Aunt Hikaru called to us for breakfast. I placed the wooden sword up against the house and walked down the corridors to the dinning area. I bowed to Hikaru smiling, and she could only laugh. My humble ways and etiquette could not so easily be broken with laid-back styles.
Before us on the table sat the most beautiful arrangement of food I had ever seen. Everything looked and smelled so divine and delicious.
"Dig in children! Eat there is plenty" Aoshi and I both bowed at the same time, and when we looked at each other all three of us busted out laughing.
We ate our fill of rice, beef stew, and oolong soup and smiled graciously when we were finished.
I stood up and began to clear the table
"Anju dear let me do that. I may be old but I am not helpless"
"No no Hikaru, let me clean, it is the least I can do to thank you for our hospitality." I took the dishes outside next to the washings where I began to clean the dishes. Aoshi stood up, feeling guilty I was cleaning.
'Aunt Hikaru, then allow me to chop you firewood. Later Aunt Hikaru, I have a request."
"What do you request my nephew?"
"My Anju and I visit the local market? We need to see if anyone has heard any whereabouts of Tai."
"That is fine Aoshi. I will give you some spending money as well. Hopefully you will also be able to consider jobs. Since you two are planning on staying here. I hope I do not sound intrude, but I am retired now, and am not sure how long my stashes can hold off."
'Oh Aunt Hikaru do not feel that at all. Anju and I had already discussed getting jobs. Think nothing of it"
Hikaru smiled, and left us outside to do our tasks. As I washed the dishes I would glance up and watch as Aoshi bear shirted slice the firewood with a hatchet. He too, was well with the ax, which was similar to the sword. I could see his equal distribution of energies and movements.
"You know Aoshi-Chan, I forgot to thank you for asking Hikaru if we could go to town. I am very grateful. Hopefully someone has seen Tai"
"No need for thanks. There are many things I have to do in town on my own as well. When we arrive at the town, we will part for a short while to deal with our own businesses, and then we can rejoin at a restaurant called the Akabeko."
"That sounds fine."
I took about an hour to finish our jobs and then shower. Aunt Hikaru had found many of her old clothes for me to wear. She complained on how skinny I was I could fit into anything she had. I slipped into her azure sundress. The dress flowed down to near my ankles and the top of the dress began just at the three quarters mark of my breasts. I personally found the dress a tiny bit too disclosure, but Hikaru insisted that I looked succulent. She brushed my long black hair, and let it stay down, so that if flowed with the wind. She said I never looked more seductive. I wore an off white shall around my neck and it flowed to my sides.
Aoshi grew impatient outside my changing room waiting for me. But Hikaru insisted that I would be worth the wait. I could hear Aoshi grumbling outside, and I couldn't help but giggle. After Hikaru applied a few forms of makeup she clapped her hands and said I was ready.
She handed me my handbag and pushed me towards the door.
'Oh Auntie Hikaru, I look ridiculous and dishonorable!"
"Nonsense child, honor is no longer something you must live by, you must now live by your own self pride. Trust me when I say, you look more beautiful then the seika flowers that are blooming in my yard."
I still resisted and tried not to be pushed to the door, but Hikaru gave me one final shove and out the door I flew. Aoshi, who had been leaning up against the wall next to the door, jumped in surprise and was ready to start yelling. But when his eyes fell upon me, he grew mum.
I could my face grow extremely warm and even my ears began to turn a cerise tone. He stared at me, and I followed his eyes to see where he was staring. I looked down at realize he was staring at my breasts. I quickly covered myself with the shawl and screamed at him in disgust
"PERVERT" and I slapped him in the face.
"Damn it Anju that hurt" he screamed back rubbing his swollen cheek.
I turned and stormed off. He followed after me, keeping his distance and we silently walked to town. I was still fuming with anger and embarrassment. No man had ever looked at me that way, and I was not sure what to make of it. I did not care if he was to be my fiancé or not. When we arrived at the village we stood at the center.
'You do your thing and I'll do mine. Don't bother looking for me," I snapped
"Fine! See if I have any concerns" He turned to his left and stormed off leaving me alone in the street. I stopped a man who was on his wagon carrying a supply of goods. "Excuse me sir. Have you seen a small boy about this high" I placed out my hand indicating a height "Who had a dog with him, he has teal hair?"
He shook his head "Sorry little Missie but I haven't. But don't worry, a gal like you should be able to find another guy quick enough.
"No No No sir! He is not my lover he is my younger brother. He escaped from Kyoto when the Imperialists attacked."
His face grew soft and he shook his head again "My apologizes miss, but I'm afraid I still am no help to you. But keep searching, you never know. This town is a pit stop for any traveler heading away from Kyoto. If you stick around long enough, you may just run into him."
I bowed to him graciously "Thank you sir" He smiled and whipped the reins to his horse and he continued onward.
I sauntered down the street looking about at the many stores. The town seemed so peaceful and well mannered. It appeared like everyone knew everyone else no strangers wandered the town. I wondered if they looked at me like I was an outcast. Still, I did not bother to compute if it were true or not, I continued onward.
I finally found the store I had searched for and opened the door slowly. The sounds of bells were heard as I swung the door open. I walked to the back of the shop where I found a man constructing a sword.
"Hello sir, I was wondering if you could assist me."
He kept his back to me and just waved his hand away "Go away young lady, I do not do business with weaklings"
I scoffed and threw my head back placing my hands on my hips. "You have not changed a bit have you Raijuta?"
The man quickly turned around and looked at me. "Only one girl ever called me that." He scooped me up into his arms "Welcome back Little Anju" he spun me around hugging me and I laughed like a little child. He placed me down gently studying me. "Well, I can see now you are not such a little girl. But tell me Sweet, what are you doing here? And by yourself for that matter, I thought at least Hiko would be here." He gestured me to sit down and he handed me a cup of tea.
"Much has happened since the last time you saw me Raijuta. It has been almost 5 years."
"So what has happened Sweet?"
"The Imperialists invaded Kyoto two days ago...mother and father were killed."
"You mean Namura and Suzu-Chan?"
"Yes I am afraid so."
"I am sorry for your lost my dear, but what has happened to Hiko?"
"I finished my training with Hiko three years ago when I mastered the final attack."
He stumbled back his mouth agate. "What? You mean you mastered the Hi-"I covered his mouth quickly
"Yes Raijuta I did. But I do not need the entire town knowing this. I already am considered an outsider."
"Oh I am sorry Little Anju." I then explained to Raijuta the rest of the story; the meeting of Aoshi, the attack, the Batosi, our engagement, and our morning fight. "Well, I am glad that you decided to honor your parents wishes they will be most pleased. The fight with, what's his name Aoshi. I am proud of you for standing up for yourself, let the man try to win you back."
I laughed as his jokes. "So tell me Raijuta, where is Sanouske?"
"Oh Sano? He is out back right now, mending another sword. I almost forgot why did you come to my shop to begin with?"
"Well, with my home destroyed, my swords were as well. I was hoping, you could make me a new one"
"For you young Anju? It would be an honor"
"Raijuta, you are too kind"
"Sano is in the back. I'm sure he would be grateful, to see an old childhood friend of his. He missed you dearly after you left Anju. He was sure heart broken..."
"Heartbroken? "I asked him confused.
"Ahh yes Anju heartbroken. You may not have known it when you were so innocent at 12, but he had a great passion for you." I could say nothing. Sanouske was the first friend I made when I came to this town. I hadn't told Aoshi about it, because it was 5 years ago. When I came here to train with Hiko, Sano was the one to take me under his wing and show me around the town. Sano was a year older then I. Sano and I had instantly connected as friends, and when I wasn't training we spent every waking moment together.
Sano would take me down to our secret spot at the lake where we would catch the biggest fish and have the hugest bonfire roasts. Our days of fun were memories that I had almost nearly forgotten. It was so great, to remember those days of peace and ease. I could always remember as a child, jumping into him from behind and sliding his bandana over his eyes so he couldn't see.
What intrigued me was Sano begin infatuated with me. I remember one particular memory. Sanouske and I had been walking through the woods on a hike, when it had started to rain. I remember us trying to run back to Raijuta's house. We were too far away, and we had found an abandoned wilderness cabin, once used by the men who watched over the forest. We stood under its overhang, dripping wet, I remember him draping his jacket over my shoulders. Oh that jacket, that jacket with the word bad painted on it. Sano may have been a street tough boy, but I always knew he was gentle as a lamb.
The day I had left to return to Namura and Suzu he had been very glum. When I was packed and had already said my farewells to Raijuta inside his house, I remember Sano pulling me outside. I told him I would miss him dearly, and that I would never forget our good times. He pulled me close and kissed me quickly on the lips and then ran down the street leaving a trail of dust behind. For a moment he turned back and stopped, waving to me with tears in his eyes. "I'll never ever forget you Anju-Akira. NEVER" and after that he continued running, and that was the last I saw of him.
"Why don't you go out back and say hi to your old friend?" Raijuta said breaking me out of my flashback. I nodded and stood up bowing slightly "Anju, I will carve you the most beautiful sword. I will have it complete in a week."
"Thank you Raijuta, you always were the sword master"
I left through the front door and knavishly made my way out back. In the middle of the lawn, I could see Sano sitting in the grass chewing on a grain stalk. He had his elbows on his knees, and he appeared to just be daydreaming. I saw next to him a pole of wood that still had to be chopped, and it was very hard for me not to hysterically laugh. Even as an adult, Sano still skipped out on his work.
I walked closer until I was about three yards away from him and called to him "Hey Rooster, aren't you going to say hello to an old friend?"
Sanouske instantly turned around. He had always hated it when anyone called him Rooster. As he turned I heard him shout "Who the hell has the nerve to say rooster to my back?!" As he fully turned around and stood up he looked up seeing me. "Anju?"
"Hey Sanouske. It's been a long time..."
I smiled at him. Sanouske quickly stood up and brushed himself off and beamed a grin from ear to ear.
"Oh my god. Anju it's really you. Look at how much you've changed."
"You should see yourself, you went from a shrimpy chicken to this macho stud."
We ran to each other laughing and we hugged each other so tight I doubt either of us breathed.
"Anju it is so great to see you. I've missed you so much" He looked into my eyes smiling.
"I've missed you to Sano. So much has happened, my heart feels like it's breaking"
"Anju it's your parents right? I read in the newspaper that Kyoto was attacked...I could only figure the worse..."
"The worse is the truth I am afraid. But I feel stronger seeing you."
He hugged me even tighter and rested his head on top of mine. Sano had always been a good six inches taller then me.
"Now that you're back. I promise to protect you from anymore pain."
I hugged him tighter and crossed my arms around the back of his shoulders.
"Oh Sanouske. I don't know how I've survived this long without you."
After our moment of reunion, Sano suggested he take me out for lunch for a mid day dinner at the Akabeko. I knew in the back of my head, I should have gone to find Aoshi. But being with my old friend, I completely pushed him aside.
I had never seen Sano this cheerful as we walked down the street together. His face was beaming with so much joy. It was nice to see a happy face, compared to the sad and dead I had seen. Sano stopped mid street and took my hand twirling me around in a circle.
'Wow Anju I got to say, for a tomboy samurai, you turned out to become a very beautiful woman"
I blushed slightly and playfully punched his chest "And you're saying you haven't turned into a handsome bachelor?"
He cocked his head back and laughed, "Oh Anju, I've always been a handsome guy"
I could only laugh harder "Yeah a handsome boy who used to eat worms and was afraid of the dark" "That was then, and this is now" he replied
"I know I know. God Sano you don't know how good it feels to be back. But all these faces seem new to me. I don't see any of the old town folk except for Raijuta"
"Yeah well, maybe of the townsmen have gone off to join the war, and many of the ladies followed their lovers. Many seniors grew old too, and retired to Mount Hiei where they could die peacefully and could breathe in the holy air."
"Ahh I see."
We arrived at the Akabeko and as we entered a small brown haired petite waitress greeted us.
"Well hello Mr. Sano, I see you brought a friend today"
"Oh yes Miss Tae, this is my old childhood friend Anju Akira"
I bowed to her politely "Pleased to meet you"
"How charming. So Mr. Sano, I am still guessing you want your normal table?"
"You know me like a book Miss Tae," he replied.
We were seated at a lovely table by a window where I could look out at the town.
"Mr. Sano I will get you your usual beef stew and sake. But what about you Ms. Akira?"
"Please just call me Anju, and if it is alright, I would like the same as Sano"
"Perfectly fine Anju, your meals will be here shortly" Tae quickly scurried away
I leaned over at Sano and rose and eyebrow "Well you two seem to be good chums. Are you steady with her?"
He looked at me and rolled his eyes like I were a little girl again "Nah, I've got my eyes on someone else"
I raised my eyebrows again "Oh really?"
"Really" He said confidently
Before I could ask whom, Ms. Tae had arrived with our meals. That was speedy I thought to myself. Ms. Tae looked around, and seeing there were no customers, she took the time to chat with us.
"It is great to see Mr. Sano so happy Anju. Usually he just acts all tough."
"He can be a bit pig headed Ms. Tae, but rest assured he's as docile as a lamb."
"Yes. I am grateful today is a slow day, usually we are swarming with people, I barely get a chance to talk so casually"
"Well, if you need some help Ms. Tae I could assist you. I'm going to be staying in town for a while now. With the war going on in Kyoto and with no home to return to I'll be staying here. Besides, there is a chance my brother Tai could pass through, and really must find him. I have no other leads anyway"
Ms. Tae smiled delighted "That would be wonderful. Why don't you come to the shop early tomorrow and I can give you the basic rundown to the store?"
"That would be fine" I replied happily
Ms. Tae smiled and quickly ran off as a man called for a refill.
"That's great that you'll be working here Anju. Now I can come and visit you as often as I like"
"As long as you don't get drunk. Then I'll have to throw you out"
We both laughed again and ate our meals. The hours drew on and we talked about our pasts. It was so nice to see Sano again; words could not even come to explain it. I stared at his hazel eyes and only could shake my head and smile occasionally. Sano would sip at his sake every once in a while, but after his third cup I stopped him. He moaned I was always so protective, but he stopped anyway pointing out how I was still as stubborn as ever.
Sano left a pile of money on the table and we waved to Miss Tae as we walked out the door. Sano walked me all the way up to the temple before Aunt Hikaru's house before he stopped and we talked again standing under the overhang of the temple.
"This bell reminds me of that time that you had your slingshot and you shot a pebble against the bell in town and it echoed so loud and everyone in the streets stopped to look at you. I had never seen you turn a deeper red." I laughed
"Yeah well you were the one who dared me to do it"
"Only after you dared me to eat a snail"
Sano slapped his leg and laughed "You turned so green when you saw it on the platter"
"You big jerk, I ended up getting sick from that!"
"God those were good times."
"Good times indeed, it was great to be a kid. You didn't have to worry about growing up, the war, and getting jobs. There was nothing to being a kid but good friends, pranks, and childish heartthrobs."
"Yeah, remember that time at the New Years Fair? Ascot tried to kiss Shura and she smacked him in the face and he fell straight into the pond?"
'God yes, I felt so bad for him. He was being so brave, yet he was so afraid, his legs were shaking like crazy I really thought his legs would buckle and he would fall flat on his face."
"He was brave? That little shrimp?"
"Well yeah, if I was him I never would have even dreamed of trying to kiss Shura, I would have been to afraid. I wish I were as spontaneous as he was, he just went for it. It was so cute how much he liked her, he was head over heels."
'Head over heels...." Sano replied quietly as he stared at me.
"Sano? Are you okay? You have that dazed look on your face like when yo—"
Sano's lips forced against mine, his hand slid behind my head, abruptly cutting me off and he pulled me in. I knew deep in my heart that this was wrong, but I closed my eyes and returned his tenderness. The only thing I could hear in my mind was a saying my grandmother would say to me when I moaned about growing up.
"Time to awaken young woman inside. Anju you are no longer a little girl, you can't just be a tomboy and hang out with all guys. They don't want to be your friends; they want to be with you."
Her words rang in my ears but I could feel my shield grow weaker as he continued to kiss me harder. He moved his pelvis erotically and I could feel myself seducing him. I allowed my hands glide up his chest and fall back down towards his genitals where I then would tease him so. In the back of my mind I could hear him whispering my name as bussed me. It was if we were the only two who mattered in the world, and everyone else had just gone away.
"Awaken young woman...it is time to awaken..."
Author's Note
Well that's the end of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 soon on the way, I hope you R&R and stay with me as I continue to write this tragic love story.
Introduction
Memories are often held dear to us. Times of our laughter, times of our joy, times of tears and suffering memories are what remind of us of our past. We try to hold on to them as people come and go through our lifetime. We grew deplorable when those memories start to fade like the worn black and white photos in your photo album. Memories, are the only things that remind us of the past, if the memories are to fade, we will forget forever, and never remember yesterday.
Some say that when you meet someone, you never fully forget their face. Something in the back of your mind triggers the past, as you try so hard to remember their name or something that they had once told you. You waste your time pondering, never fully knowing at all.
But all I ever want to do is forget...I want to forget that night so that the pictures can grow old and creased. I want to leave that behind, and try to start again, but I never can. My father once told me, "Don't let your past change you into something your not, but let be part of the person you become"
Chapter 3 Awaken
After Aoshi and I had come to the decision of marriage, nothing was ever the same. For a while, we both debated on telling Aunt Hikaru of our news. It seemed only fair to tell her, because it was a way of honoring our fathers. On the other hand, Aunt Hikaru might find our idea completely wild and unorthodox.
Traditions were traditions, and Aoshi and I strongly believed that. Deep in my heart though, I doubted this idea of ours. I wondered if we were only acting like silly teenagers and not fully thinking through about our futures. This was the man mother and father wanted me to marry, but yet still I did not even fully know Aoshi. We decided...that we would wait awhile before telling Hikaru.
That night, when I was actually conscious, we both stared down at the couple's bed before us. I had not realized it when I was asleep earlier, could you truly blame me, I wasn't conscious after all. I quaffed slowly and could feel myself shifting weight from one foot to the other; I often did that when I was nervous.
Aoshi could only sternly stand and clear is throat a few times. He would stare at the ceiling, and I could see a thin line of blush flame against his cheeks. Bashfully, we both slid into our sides of the bed, each prying oneself to the very edge of the bed. I could not even face him I glowed with embarrassment.
For a while, I stared at the wall that stood before me. I could not even move and I hardly remember breathing. For a while, the time dragged on slowly and I could pretend to be asleep. I would close my eyes again and again, but no soothing dreams would come to comfort me.
Just as I had found some comfort, I felt something weave through my hair.
"Anju-san?"
"Yes Aoshi-Chan?"
"Can you not sleep either?"
"No Aoshi, no dreams come to me tonight, I am to melancholy and deplorable. I trouble myself wondering about Tai and Kip, and I cannot help but feel lonely without my parents or Grandmother Meiko."
I felt Aoshi slide closer to me and I became aware that it was indeed he who was weaving his hands through my hair.
"I am here Anju-san"
"And I am grateful that you are. I cannot help but feel selfish, because I do know that you miss your mother and home dearly."
"Do not say you are selfish, it is understandable you feel the way you do..." He dipped his face into my hair, being lost in its strands "Oh Anju- san...your hair is so silky and soft, it is like the doves wings"
"Those retched strands, it takes me hours to tame it and make it at least presentable to a low level"
"It does not matter how much trouble there is along the way, as long as you make it to your destination."
I only sighed now feeling my weariness. "Mmmm..." after a while I felt his playful fingers stop and the silence filled the room "Aoshi-Chan?"
But there was no response. Aoshi had fallen at peace, his chin resting on my shoulder. I only sighed, realizing how much he reminded me of a child due to his sleeping habits.
I awoke at the crack of dawn, finding Aoshi still sleeping. I squirmed out of bed carefully and went to the water chambers. After bathing and laving, I began my morning meditation. Although I only spent a year with Hiko, his old habits never seemed to fade away. I sat cross-legged in the garden and began my breathing exercises. I listened to my surroundings; the calling of the birds, the splashing of the fish, Aunt Hikaru down the hallway beginning to prepare our morning meals, Aoshi's breathing, I could hear Aoshi's breathing as if he were breathing against my ears.
After an hour or so I stood up and began stretches. I then quickly walked back to the dojo where a found a sword I could practice with. My original swords were back at the dojo, long gone and now melted with the ashes of my home. I knew where I could get an identical replacement, and I would later as Hikaru if I could go.
I began my sword practice session with sharp vertical slices, trying to push off my dominant leg forcing myself to get a stronger product. I continued this motion for a hundred more swings, occasionally letting out a shout when I exerted my energy.
I then continued my training with horizontal slices. That was very repetitive as the vertical slices were. I then quickly moved on to something you'd call a spin slash. The motion was that with one hand I would grip the sword and give a horizontal slash, while still moving my feet and eventually causing a circular motion. This attack I mostly used when surrounded by many enemies at once, it did not apply much damage, but the wind speeds caused by your motions often threw the enemy off balance.
I carried on with another technique. In this movement I it was just continual attacks trying to ease the transition between them as much as possible. The hardest move for me is the left upper cut. Because I am right handed, it is often hard for me to do a switch off with the hands and still have plenty of speed to inflict a serious amount of damage.
I was and still am indeed the only other person besides the Hitokiri Batosi to master of Hiko's sword style the Hiten Mitserugi, but that does not make me a flawless swordsman in general. I was still only 17, and I had many more years to train and perfect myself.
I was entirely incognizant to the fact that Aoshi had been watching me this whole time. Only when I stopped to wipe away the sweat that beaded on my face did I hear him begin to applaud. I quickly twisted around and looked at him with a hint of anger and a huge amount of embarrassment.
"So you weren't bluffing when you spoke to the Batosi that night."
"Aoshi, I would never lie about my talents or my real father," I snapped back at him turning away.
"I am sorry Anju-san, I did not mean to offend you."
"Well you did. I may be a woman, but that does not mean I can't handle swordsmanship"
Aoshi stood up and walked over to me. "You are right. You handle the sword beautifully; you have your father's blood thriving through your veins. He would indeed be proud of you" I smiled and turned back to him "So am I forgiven loving Anju-san?" he gave me a pouted look begging for his forgiveness. "Yes. You are forgiven Aoshi. But next time, do not peek and my training. I like that I am alone, watchers throw off my concentration."
"Understood Anju-san, thank you for forgiving me"
He bowed to me humbly grinning. I bowed back and then looked up as Aunt Hikaru called to us for breakfast. I placed the wooden sword up against the house and walked down the corridors to the dinning area. I bowed to Hikaru smiling, and she could only laugh. My humble ways and etiquette could not so easily be broken with laid-back styles.
Before us on the table sat the most beautiful arrangement of food I had ever seen. Everything looked and smelled so divine and delicious.
"Dig in children! Eat there is plenty" Aoshi and I both bowed at the same time, and when we looked at each other all three of us busted out laughing.
We ate our fill of rice, beef stew, and oolong soup and smiled graciously when we were finished.
I stood up and began to clear the table
"Anju dear let me do that. I may be old but I am not helpless"
"No no Hikaru, let me clean, it is the least I can do to thank you for our hospitality." I took the dishes outside next to the washings where I began to clean the dishes. Aoshi stood up, feeling guilty I was cleaning.
'Aunt Hikaru, then allow me to chop you firewood. Later Aunt Hikaru, I have a request."
"What do you request my nephew?"
"My Anju and I visit the local market? We need to see if anyone has heard any whereabouts of Tai."
"That is fine Aoshi. I will give you some spending money as well. Hopefully you will also be able to consider jobs. Since you two are planning on staying here. I hope I do not sound intrude, but I am retired now, and am not sure how long my stashes can hold off."
'Oh Aunt Hikaru do not feel that at all. Anju and I had already discussed getting jobs. Think nothing of it"
Hikaru smiled, and left us outside to do our tasks. As I washed the dishes I would glance up and watch as Aoshi bear shirted slice the firewood with a hatchet. He too, was well with the ax, which was similar to the sword. I could see his equal distribution of energies and movements.
"You know Aoshi-Chan, I forgot to thank you for asking Hikaru if we could go to town. I am very grateful. Hopefully someone has seen Tai"
"No need for thanks. There are many things I have to do in town on my own as well. When we arrive at the town, we will part for a short while to deal with our own businesses, and then we can rejoin at a restaurant called the Akabeko."
"That sounds fine."
I took about an hour to finish our jobs and then shower. Aunt Hikaru had found many of her old clothes for me to wear. She complained on how skinny I was I could fit into anything she had. I slipped into her azure sundress. The dress flowed down to near my ankles and the top of the dress began just at the three quarters mark of my breasts. I personally found the dress a tiny bit too disclosure, but Hikaru insisted that I looked succulent. She brushed my long black hair, and let it stay down, so that if flowed with the wind. She said I never looked more seductive. I wore an off white shall around my neck and it flowed to my sides.
Aoshi grew impatient outside my changing room waiting for me. But Hikaru insisted that I would be worth the wait. I could hear Aoshi grumbling outside, and I couldn't help but giggle. After Hikaru applied a few forms of makeup she clapped her hands and said I was ready.
She handed me my handbag and pushed me towards the door.
'Oh Auntie Hikaru, I look ridiculous and dishonorable!"
"Nonsense child, honor is no longer something you must live by, you must now live by your own self pride. Trust me when I say, you look more beautiful then the seika flowers that are blooming in my yard."
I still resisted and tried not to be pushed to the door, but Hikaru gave me one final shove and out the door I flew. Aoshi, who had been leaning up against the wall next to the door, jumped in surprise and was ready to start yelling. But when his eyes fell upon me, he grew mum.
I could my face grow extremely warm and even my ears began to turn a cerise tone. He stared at me, and I followed his eyes to see where he was staring. I looked down at realize he was staring at my breasts. I quickly covered myself with the shawl and screamed at him in disgust
"PERVERT" and I slapped him in the face.
"Damn it Anju that hurt" he screamed back rubbing his swollen cheek.
I turned and stormed off. He followed after me, keeping his distance and we silently walked to town. I was still fuming with anger and embarrassment. No man had ever looked at me that way, and I was not sure what to make of it. I did not care if he was to be my fiancé or not. When we arrived at the village we stood at the center.
'You do your thing and I'll do mine. Don't bother looking for me," I snapped
"Fine! See if I have any concerns" He turned to his left and stormed off leaving me alone in the street. I stopped a man who was on his wagon carrying a supply of goods. "Excuse me sir. Have you seen a small boy about this high" I placed out my hand indicating a height "Who had a dog with him, he has teal hair?"
He shook his head "Sorry little Missie but I haven't. But don't worry, a gal like you should be able to find another guy quick enough.
"No No No sir! He is not my lover he is my younger brother. He escaped from Kyoto when the Imperialists attacked."
His face grew soft and he shook his head again "My apologizes miss, but I'm afraid I still am no help to you. But keep searching, you never know. This town is a pit stop for any traveler heading away from Kyoto. If you stick around long enough, you may just run into him."
I bowed to him graciously "Thank you sir" He smiled and whipped the reins to his horse and he continued onward.
I sauntered down the street looking about at the many stores. The town seemed so peaceful and well mannered. It appeared like everyone knew everyone else no strangers wandered the town. I wondered if they looked at me like I was an outcast. Still, I did not bother to compute if it were true or not, I continued onward.
I finally found the store I had searched for and opened the door slowly. The sounds of bells were heard as I swung the door open. I walked to the back of the shop where I found a man constructing a sword.
"Hello sir, I was wondering if you could assist me."
He kept his back to me and just waved his hand away "Go away young lady, I do not do business with weaklings"
I scoffed and threw my head back placing my hands on my hips. "You have not changed a bit have you Raijuta?"
The man quickly turned around and looked at me. "Only one girl ever called me that." He scooped me up into his arms "Welcome back Little Anju" he spun me around hugging me and I laughed like a little child. He placed me down gently studying me. "Well, I can see now you are not such a little girl. But tell me Sweet, what are you doing here? And by yourself for that matter, I thought at least Hiko would be here." He gestured me to sit down and he handed me a cup of tea.
"Much has happened since the last time you saw me Raijuta. It has been almost 5 years."
"So what has happened Sweet?"
"The Imperialists invaded Kyoto two days ago...mother and father were killed."
"You mean Namura and Suzu-Chan?"
"Yes I am afraid so."
"I am sorry for your lost my dear, but what has happened to Hiko?"
"I finished my training with Hiko three years ago when I mastered the final attack."
He stumbled back his mouth agate. "What? You mean you mastered the Hi-"I covered his mouth quickly
"Yes Raijuta I did. But I do not need the entire town knowing this. I already am considered an outsider."
"Oh I am sorry Little Anju." I then explained to Raijuta the rest of the story; the meeting of Aoshi, the attack, the Batosi, our engagement, and our morning fight. "Well, I am glad that you decided to honor your parents wishes they will be most pleased. The fight with, what's his name Aoshi. I am proud of you for standing up for yourself, let the man try to win you back."
I laughed as his jokes. "So tell me Raijuta, where is Sanouske?"
"Oh Sano? He is out back right now, mending another sword. I almost forgot why did you come to my shop to begin with?"
"Well, with my home destroyed, my swords were as well. I was hoping, you could make me a new one"
"For you young Anju? It would be an honor"
"Raijuta, you are too kind"
"Sano is in the back. I'm sure he would be grateful, to see an old childhood friend of his. He missed you dearly after you left Anju. He was sure heart broken..."
"Heartbroken? "I asked him confused.
"Ahh yes Anju heartbroken. You may not have known it when you were so innocent at 12, but he had a great passion for you." I could say nothing. Sanouske was the first friend I made when I came to this town. I hadn't told Aoshi about it, because it was 5 years ago. When I came here to train with Hiko, Sano was the one to take me under his wing and show me around the town. Sano was a year older then I. Sano and I had instantly connected as friends, and when I wasn't training we spent every waking moment together.
Sano would take me down to our secret spot at the lake where we would catch the biggest fish and have the hugest bonfire roasts. Our days of fun were memories that I had almost nearly forgotten. It was so great, to remember those days of peace and ease. I could always remember as a child, jumping into him from behind and sliding his bandana over his eyes so he couldn't see.
What intrigued me was Sano begin infatuated with me. I remember one particular memory. Sanouske and I had been walking through the woods on a hike, when it had started to rain. I remember us trying to run back to Raijuta's house. We were too far away, and we had found an abandoned wilderness cabin, once used by the men who watched over the forest. We stood under its overhang, dripping wet, I remember him draping his jacket over my shoulders. Oh that jacket, that jacket with the word bad painted on it. Sano may have been a street tough boy, but I always knew he was gentle as a lamb.
The day I had left to return to Namura and Suzu he had been very glum. When I was packed and had already said my farewells to Raijuta inside his house, I remember Sano pulling me outside. I told him I would miss him dearly, and that I would never forget our good times. He pulled me close and kissed me quickly on the lips and then ran down the street leaving a trail of dust behind. For a moment he turned back and stopped, waving to me with tears in his eyes. "I'll never ever forget you Anju-Akira. NEVER" and after that he continued running, and that was the last I saw of him.
"Why don't you go out back and say hi to your old friend?" Raijuta said breaking me out of my flashback. I nodded and stood up bowing slightly "Anju, I will carve you the most beautiful sword. I will have it complete in a week."
"Thank you Raijuta, you always were the sword master"
I left through the front door and knavishly made my way out back. In the middle of the lawn, I could see Sano sitting in the grass chewing on a grain stalk. He had his elbows on his knees, and he appeared to just be daydreaming. I saw next to him a pole of wood that still had to be chopped, and it was very hard for me not to hysterically laugh. Even as an adult, Sano still skipped out on his work.
I walked closer until I was about three yards away from him and called to him "Hey Rooster, aren't you going to say hello to an old friend?"
Sanouske instantly turned around. He had always hated it when anyone called him Rooster. As he turned I heard him shout "Who the hell has the nerve to say rooster to my back?!" As he fully turned around and stood up he looked up seeing me. "Anju?"
"Hey Sanouske. It's been a long time..."
I smiled at him. Sanouske quickly stood up and brushed himself off and beamed a grin from ear to ear.
"Oh my god. Anju it's really you. Look at how much you've changed."
"You should see yourself, you went from a shrimpy chicken to this macho stud."
We ran to each other laughing and we hugged each other so tight I doubt either of us breathed.
"Anju it is so great to see you. I've missed you so much" He looked into my eyes smiling.
"I've missed you to Sano. So much has happened, my heart feels like it's breaking"
"Anju it's your parents right? I read in the newspaper that Kyoto was attacked...I could only figure the worse..."
"The worse is the truth I am afraid. But I feel stronger seeing you."
He hugged me even tighter and rested his head on top of mine. Sano had always been a good six inches taller then me.
"Now that you're back. I promise to protect you from anymore pain."
I hugged him tighter and crossed my arms around the back of his shoulders.
"Oh Sanouske. I don't know how I've survived this long without you."
After our moment of reunion, Sano suggested he take me out for lunch for a mid day dinner at the Akabeko. I knew in the back of my head, I should have gone to find Aoshi. But being with my old friend, I completely pushed him aside.
I had never seen Sano this cheerful as we walked down the street together. His face was beaming with so much joy. It was nice to see a happy face, compared to the sad and dead I had seen. Sano stopped mid street and took my hand twirling me around in a circle.
'Wow Anju I got to say, for a tomboy samurai, you turned out to become a very beautiful woman"
I blushed slightly and playfully punched his chest "And you're saying you haven't turned into a handsome bachelor?"
He cocked his head back and laughed, "Oh Anju, I've always been a handsome guy"
I could only laugh harder "Yeah a handsome boy who used to eat worms and was afraid of the dark" "That was then, and this is now" he replied
"I know I know. God Sano you don't know how good it feels to be back. But all these faces seem new to me. I don't see any of the old town folk except for Raijuta"
"Yeah well, maybe of the townsmen have gone off to join the war, and many of the ladies followed their lovers. Many seniors grew old too, and retired to Mount Hiei where they could die peacefully and could breathe in the holy air."
"Ahh I see."
We arrived at the Akabeko and as we entered a small brown haired petite waitress greeted us.
"Well hello Mr. Sano, I see you brought a friend today"
"Oh yes Miss Tae, this is my old childhood friend Anju Akira"
I bowed to her politely "Pleased to meet you"
"How charming. So Mr. Sano, I am still guessing you want your normal table?"
"You know me like a book Miss Tae," he replied.
We were seated at a lovely table by a window where I could look out at the town.
"Mr. Sano I will get you your usual beef stew and sake. But what about you Ms. Akira?"
"Please just call me Anju, and if it is alright, I would like the same as Sano"
"Perfectly fine Anju, your meals will be here shortly" Tae quickly scurried away
I leaned over at Sano and rose and eyebrow "Well you two seem to be good chums. Are you steady with her?"
He looked at me and rolled his eyes like I were a little girl again "Nah, I've got my eyes on someone else"
I raised my eyebrows again "Oh really?"
"Really" He said confidently
Before I could ask whom, Ms. Tae had arrived with our meals. That was speedy I thought to myself. Ms. Tae looked around, and seeing there were no customers, she took the time to chat with us.
"It is great to see Mr. Sano so happy Anju. Usually he just acts all tough."
"He can be a bit pig headed Ms. Tae, but rest assured he's as docile as a lamb."
"Yes. I am grateful today is a slow day, usually we are swarming with people, I barely get a chance to talk so casually"
"Well, if you need some help Ms. Tae I could assist you. I'm going to be staying in town for a while now. With the war going on in Kyoto and with no home to return to I'll be staying here. Besides, there is a chance my brother Tai could pass through, and really must find him. I have no other leads anyway"
Ms. Tae smiled delighted "That would be wonderful. Why don't you come to the shop early tomorrow and I can give you the basic rundown to the store?"
"That would be fine" I replied happily
Ms. Tae smiled and quickly ran off as a man called for a refill.
"That's great that you'll be working here Anju. Now I can come and visit you as often as I like"
"As long as you don't get drunk. Then I'll have to throw you out"
We both laughed again and ate our meals. The hours drew on and we talked about our pasts. It was so nice to see Sano again; words could not even come to explain it. I stared at his hazel eyes and only could shake my head and smile occasionally. Sano would sip at his sake every once in a while, but after his third cup I stopped him. He moaned I was always so protective, but he stopped anyway pointing out how I was still as stubborn as ever.
Sano left a pile of money on the table and we waved to Miss Tae as we walked out the door. Sano walked me all the way up to the temple before Aunt Hikaru's house before he stopped and we talked again standing under the overhang of the temple.
"This bell reminds me of that time that you had your slingshot and you shot a pebble against the bell in town and it echoed so loud and everyone in the streets stopped to look at you. I had never seen you turn a deeper red." I laughed
"Yeah well you were the one who dared me to do it"
"Only after you dared me to eat a snail"
Sano slapped his leg and laughed "You turned so green when you saw it on the platter"
"You big jerk, I ended up getting sick from that!"
"God those were good times."
"Good times indeed, it was great to be a kid. You didn't have to worry about growing up, the war, and getting jobs. There was nothing to being a kid but good friends, pranks, and childish heartthrobs."
"Yeah, remember that time at the New Years Fair? Ascot tried to kiss Shura and she smacked him in the face and he fell straight into the pond?"
'God yes, I felt so bad for him. He was being so brave, yet he was so afraid, his legs were shaking like crazy I really thought his legs would buckle and he would fall flat on his face."
"He was brave? That little shrimp?"
"Well yeah, if I was him I never would have even dreamed of trying to kiss Shura, I would have been to afraid. I wish I were as spontaneous as he was, he just went for it. It was so cute how much he liked her, he was head over heels."
'Head over heels...." Sano replied quietly as he stared at me.
"Sano? Are you okay? You have that dazed look on your face like when yo—"
Sano's lips forced against mine, his hand slid behind my head, abruptly cutting me off and he pulled me in. I knew deep in my heart that this was wrong, but I closed my eyes and returned his tenderness. The only thing I could hear in my mind was a saying my grandmother would say to me when I moaned about growing up.
"Time to awaken young woman inside. Anju you are no longer a little girl, you can't just be a tomboy and hang out with all guys. They don't want to be your friends; they want to be with you."
Her words rang in my ears but I could feel my shield grow weaker as he continued to kiss me harder. He moved his pelvis erotically and I could feel myself seducing him. I allowed my hands glide up his chest and fall back down towards his genitals where I then would tease him so. In the back of my mind I could hear him whispering my name as bussed me. It was if we were the only two who mattered in the world, and everyone else had just gone away.
"Awaken young woman...it is time to awaken..."
Author's Note
Well that's the end of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 soon on the way, I hope you R&R and stay with me as I continue to write this tragic love story.