Disclaimer: Yea, I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. I just own my OC.
('Italics' - thoughts; Regular Font - normal)
Note: When you see the lineit means you are switching from Memaruu's first person point of view to regular (which usually involves Yahiko) or vis-versa. The Prologue begins with Memaruu in case you were wondering.
Fire Behind the Ice
Prologue:
I ran as fast as my feet would allow. I just had to get away. I had no destination, but, of course, anywhere was better than there. The pouring rain pounded against my body as I tried to pick up speed. To my disappointment, I tripped, falling flat on my face with mud splashing everywhere. I couldn't help but punch my first into the ground. I'd always had this kind of luck. I curled herself up into a ball and laid there. What was the point of moving anyway? I'd probably fall again, or someone would kidnap me, or I would break my leg... .the possibilities were endless. Tears of mud fell down my face as she slowly cried myself to sleep...
Chapter 1: Dream into Reality
"Yahiko! Yahiko! Get up! It's time for breakfast and then morning chores!"
Yahiko groaned at the sound of Kaoru's voice. Why did they have to get up this early for some stupid chores anyway? Not wanting to hear her yell again, he reluctantly got up and rubbed his eyes. As soon as he did, his dreams flooded back into his mind. He had had the strangest one last night.
He got up out of his futon and pulled on his usual outfit for the day. 'A girl running in the rain? What kind of stupid dream is that?' He thought to himself. The smell of breakfast lured him out of his room and into the area where everyone else sat, waiting for him.
"Sheesh, Yahiko. I'm getting sick of waiting for you every morning," Sano sneered as he began to grab different foods and place them in front of him.
"Did you have a good sleep, little Yahiko?" Kenshin asked. Yahiko fumed, but said nothing. He absolutely hated it when people called him little. It's not like he was actually little or anything.
After breakfast, Kaoru told him his chores and he set off to do them. This was just a typical day at the dojo. Nothing exciting happened, except for when something popped up with Kenshin. Yahiko had to admit, he was really jealous of Kenshin. He was everyone's favorite guy, and he was so strong. 'I swear, one day I'll be just as strong as him.'
Yahiko began to sweep the back of the dojo when he heard a loud pounding and a scream.
I pounded on the gate as hard as I could. She just had to still be there! She was the only one I could turn to now. After I ran out of breath, I tried to patiently wait for someone to answer.
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" I heard someone scream from inside the gate. A tall man in a strange outfit opened the gate and looked at me.
"Yeah, what do you want?" He asked rather rudely.
"Kaoru...does Kamiya Kaoru still run this dojo?" I asked, trying not to sound as desperate as I was.
"Yeah. Hold on." The man didn't walk too far before he began to scream for Kaoru.
"Sano, can you come here? I'm in the middle of something."
"Someone's here for you!" He screamed.
"Oh! Send them in."
He turned to look at me, obviously bored with this. "Follow me."
I followed obediently as the strange man led me to a small building. I walked in to find whom I thought was Kaoru and another man waiting for me. I could not help but gasp. Just like mommy said...he does live here. I stepped forward and waited for someone to speak.
"Hello there. What is your name? Do you need something of me?" Kaoru asked sweetly.
After a moment of internal confusion, I mustered up the confidence to speak.
"My name is Memaruu. I come here to ask a favor of you. You see...I would like to stay here at your home. I know it sounds strange, but I'll work my keep! I'll do chores for you and clean the house and...!"
As Memaruu continued with her rambling, Yahiko ran around the house to see what all the fuss was about. He got to the door and froze in his spot. It was the girl in his dreams last night. He continued to stare, not realizing he was even doing so. She was so beautiful. He was not familiar with this feeling, and on top of that he was unable to move his legs.
"Hey, hey. Slow down there. Don't worry about it. All are welcome here. Yes, you may have to work along with everyone else, but you are welcome to stay as long as you like."
Yahiko noticed the girl let out a sigh that seemed like a breath of relief.
"Thank you so much Kamiya Kaoru! I am in your debt." She seemed so happy as she ran over to hug Kaoru.
"Oh you are most welcome Memaruu. And please, just called me Kaoru."
Kaoru pulled out of the girl's embrace and looked at her in the eyes. She knew this girl was hiding something. She had learned from Kenshin that the truth lies behind a person's eyes. Though Memaruu was good at hiding it, Kaoru could still see her pain through those dark, turquoise eyes.
It was then that I realized I heard someone breathing heavily behind me. I spun around the find a boy my age staring a me, a shocked expression on his face. Being the shy person I was, I blushed a heavy red. After a moment, the boy seemed to realize what he was doing and swiftly turned away. Not quick enough, however, for I saw him go red as well.
"Well, Memaruu. I guess as a good hostess, I should introduce you to everyone," Kaoru said, most likely noticing the uneasiness, as she grabbed my arm and gently gestured me over to the man who opened the gate. "This man is Sagara Sanosuke."
"Hey there pretty little lady," Sanosuke said with a wink that caused me to blush again. I had never heard a complete stranger give me a compliment. I only responded with a muffled hi.
Kaoru brought me over to the next man. "This is Himura Kenshin." I stood there with obvious fear, which caused everyone confusion.
"Hello, Memaruu. Welcome to the group," Kenshin said while giving me a pat on the shoulder. I still stood there and looked at Kenshin's face, searching for something.
"Your name is Himura Kenshin?" I asked uneasily.
"Yes, that is this one's name." Kenshin replied in a bit of a serious tone.
"It is nice to meet you...Mr. Himura," I said politely as I forced myself to smile. I could have sworn it was him...he looks just like daddy said.
Finally, Kaoru brought me to the red-faced boy. "And this one is Little Yahiko," Kaoru said with a smirk. Little Yahiko?
Since he did not say anything, I decided to speak first.
"Hello...Little Yahiko."
Yahiko immediately flew into a panic, which frightened me a bit.
"M..my name's n...noot little Yahiko! It's just Ya...hiko," he spurred in embarrassment.
I just gazed at him for a moment. I had not had a chance to socialize with people my own age, especially boys. This boy in particular seemed interesting to me. Was this what momma was always talking about?I thought for a moment before I looked away.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to offend you," I said quietly. To my surprise he looked panicked again.
"I...I...I didn't mean to yell. I just...don't like when people call me that," he said quickly.
I couldn't help but smile. He was quite cute when he was all flustered like that.
"Memaruu, you are filthy. This one insists you take a bath. I'll get it ready for you," Kenshin said to me as he began to leave the room. I mumbled from being embarrassed. Yes, I actually was quite dirty.
"Good idea, Kenshin. I'll get you a new outfit as well," Kaoru said before leaving too.
"Yup, yup, yup. I think it's time for my morning nap." This came from Sanosuke, who, sure enough, left the room. Before he left, however, he stopped in front of Yahiko with a smirk. He then gave him a friendly nudge forward and walked out. Yahiko just stood there, petrified. It seemed he couldn't find any more words to speak.
I did not like the uncomfortable silence, but I still could not think of what to say. Before I could even open her mouth to speak again, Yahiko quickly dashed out of the room.
I had a feeling this was going to be a long day...