Hey everyone, I'm back! Did I say I was a lousy updater? I thought I was,
considering my other abandoned fics. I think this one might actually make
it! I've been chucking these chapters out like my life depends on it. It
probably does.
*Glances at the dagger at her throat held by her muse*
Muse: Keep Writing!
Soul Flyer: Okay, I will, I will! Just put the sharp pointy thing away!
Muses, gotta love 'em. Can't live with them, can't live without them. Kinda
like my annoying little brother. Sucks to be me. O.ox Now, time to reply to
reviewers on chapter 2!
Katie West: To tell you the truth, Katie, Koji doesn't remember anything at all, so she has no idea at what's going on. I made it so Koji would stay with Takuro because he was the one her safety was trusted to. K? I still haven't decided if I'm going to include Kenji in this fic considering that Kenshin and Kaoru are married. Hmm... What do you think?
Naomi: I know what you mean about nosy parents! I have some myself! But I'm glad you liked that last chapter, so here's another one for you to chew on!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kenshin, I probably never will either. Unless I get a lot of money. Until then, don't sue me, 'cause I don't have money yet!
AN: I've made this chapter a little supernatural, nothing like you would normally see in an actual Kenshin episode... I also kinda twisted the history and what Kenshin is known for, so if you don't like it, please don't kill me! Just say so in the review box. (I won't listen though, 'cause this is my story and you can go and write your own.) But I am working hard to keep this fic from deviating to an AU fic... I think. On with Chapter 3! This one makes the plot thicken! I am genius! I've talked to much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3: The Vows of Kenshin and Takuro
It's been two days since Koji arrived in Japan via the trading boat, and Koji slept without interruptions since she woke up the first time. When Koji awoke the second time in the Kamyia dojo, it was apparent that she indeed remembered nothing that happened that night in America. She had no memory of having parents who were killed before her very eyes, nor did she remember her own name. Every adult in the dojo couldn't decide whether to feel sorry for her because she couldn't remember anything, or to be relived because she couldn't remember.
The Kenshin-gumi was delighted that Koji woke up with an almost complete recovery the second morning she was there, except her memory loss of course. As the day progressed, it was evident that Koji was completely oblivious to her past. In his heart, Takuro thought it was for the better that Koji didn't remember the death of her parents. Also, Takuro wouldn't admit to it, but he knew the closer he got to Koji, the more he would hope she would never remember her true past. When Koji did remember, she might want to return home, to America. She might want to stay, but nothing was for certain.
The entire day the Kenshin-gumi discussed what could be done to help Koji, and where she would stay. After much debate, it was determined that Koji would stay with Takuro. Waotaka thought it would be for the best, because Koji's mother walked up to a complete stranger and trusted her daughter's life to him. Once it was decided, Waotaka left to meet up with city officials to allow Koji to become a citizen of Japan.
"It was as Megumi suspected," Dr. Genzai said that night over dinner. (Kenshin cooked by the way. Phew! I won't let Koji suffer Kaoru's cooking yet. I'll have to fix that.) "That whack to the head she received from those thugs must have obliterated her memory to a severe extreme. She's done so much traveling today, and it would be a good idea she stay put for the night." Everyone in the dojo was happy to let her stay the night, the happiest being Kaoru, of course.
"Of course I'll let her stay the night!" Kaoru wailed. "Do you think I'm heartless? The poor girl has gone through so much already, and I'll be glad to lend a hand!"
Megumi had taken Ayambe and Suzumbe home for the night, but she would be back in the morning to check up on Koji. Takuro was staying the night to keep an eye on Koji, who at the moment was tasting the new foods of Japan. She didn't seem to know that the adults were talking about her. Takuro was a little unsure about the fact she could speak Japanese. How did that come about?
"Dr. Genzai," he said, "could you explain how Koji could be speaking in Japanese so fluently? Please?" Kenshin nodded. "I too would like to know how she could be doing that," he said. "How is it possible, Dr.?" Dr. Genzai shook his head in a confused sort of way. "I'm not sure how that could be. Perhaps she heard so much of it that her mind just clicked. But I don't think it's that simple, so I'm in the dark as much as you are in this one."
"Takuro?" came a small voice. Everyone looked in the direction it came from, and saw it was only Koji, who had devoured everything on her plate. She had used her hands to eat, being that she wasn't a master of chopsticks yet. There was food all over her hands.
"What is it, Koji?" Takuro replied. "Where did Uncle Waotaka go?" she asked, her bright green eyes shining at him. He laughed softly and walked over to her and began to clean her hands. As he did, he said, "Uncle Waotaka has gone to some important people to let them know about you. Is that okay?"
Koji smiled big and said, "That's okay with me!" Takuro felt his heart and soul fly when he looked into her eyes. She seemed to reach out to him like she was his own child. Takuro wondered, how can anyone have the heart or reason to kill this little girl? But that was a good question, why were they after her? If any reason, their mission would never be fulfilled. He vowed that she would live a full life in Japan, and any who had opposition to that would have to answer to Takuro's fists.
Himura Kenshin said nothing after he asked Dr. Genzai how Koji could speak Japanese. He didn't know why he asked, though. Perhaps he had hoped that Dr. Genzai could come up with a better explanation than the real truth. Kenshin knew the real reason she could speak in fluent Japanese. The very moment Kenshin laid eyes on Koji, he could tell she was a very special girl. Koji was gifted with a special talent, and Kenshin had seen such a talent a long time ago. Perhaps that's why those men were after her, so they could harness her power and use it to their will. Kenshin shuddered at the thought of what it could have done to Koji.
During the Revolution, when Kenshin was Hitokiri Battossai, the Imperialists fought with a secret weapon. It was a group of people that were all different in age, size, shape, fighting skills or none, and gender. They were all people the Imperialists had found who possessed great power. There were very few of them, but they were all very powerful and deadly. They were people who possessed the talent of telekinesis. And they were also able to speak any language after hearing only a few words. This and other abilities made them valuable assets to the war. Because most were opposed to the fighting, they were tortured to cooperate, others were more submissive than that. But many were killed in battle, and few survived the war. Even fewer survived the torture of the ones who commanded them.
The control of the Bettos (Special.) was something that Kenshin, even back then, considered as a sick thing to do, for many of the Bettos were women and children and even they weren't spared the torture. Only the Imperialists knew about the Bettos, and only they new about the horror the Bettos went through.
During that time, Kenshin actually helped the Bettos fight for their freedom, and several owe their lives to the Battossai. An incredible fact many wouldn't believe even if they saw it.
Kenshin knew, without a single doubt, that Koji was gifted like the Bettos were, and the men that chased after Koji and killed her parents must have known about it. But how far would they go to come after her? It was a question Kenshin never wanted to know the answer to.
That night, when everyone in the Kamyia dojo was sound asleep, only one person remained awake: Kenshin. Takuro tried to stay awake and watch over Koji, but it was no use. Kenshin offered to watch her for him. It took a little convincing, but Takuro's tired mind finally gave in. Now Kenshin sat, his eyes never leaving Koji. The reverse-blade sword rested on his shoulder, in case of any intrusion.
In the dark, Kenshin visited the memories of his dark and bloody past. He recalled how he tried to help one particular Betto, a young boy only eight years old, and had been reduced to having no name at all. Kenshin had tried to help him the best he could, but the boy had been so badly tortured and beaten that he died before they could escape. Kenshin was still plagued by the boy's crying.
Kenshin thought about telling Takuro and Waotaka what they had gotten themselves into, and that Koji was an American version of a Betto. However, he would need to reveal dirty secrets of the Imperialists and the things that they did to the Bettos. Kenshin decided that it would have to wait. It was something Kenshin was about to go out of his way to do.
Suddenly, a door slid open, and Kenshin couldn't see who entered the room. His thumb clicked up his sword, ready for battle. A hand pushed it back down, causing Kenshin to almost kick whoever it was, but he stopped when he saw it was only Kaoru.
"Don't do that, Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin whispered urgently. "If I hadn't seen it was only you, you could've ended up serious hurt!"
Kaoru frowned, twisting her face into a fake pout. "I'm sorry, Kenshin," she apologized. "I just thought you would like some green tea, to help you stay awake." She lowered a tray for him to see, and it was carrying a teapot and two cups. Kenshin smiled. "I would like that very much, that I would, Kaoru-dono. Thank you." He thought that Kaoru's tea was as good as her cooking was bad. So that was some pretty good tea!
Kaoru sat down on her knees and carefully poured the tea into the two cups. They sat there quietly sipping their tea without saying anything, until.
"Why do you think those men were chasing her, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked suddenly. Kenshin reminded himself that Kaoru would freak out more if he told her the real reason Koji was wanted. So he lied about it.
"I do not know the purpose those men were after Koji, that I do not. Whatever it is, we can't let them get their hands on her. I will do what I can to protect her, that I will." He might have lied in that first sentence, but the last one was the real truth.
"I agree with you, Kenshin!" Kaoru whispered suddenly. Kenshin looked at her wide-eyed. "What do you mean?" he asked stupidly. Kaoru stood up determinedly and said, "I Kamyia Kaoru, Assistant Master of the Kamyia Kashin Ryuu, will do what ever it takes to protect her."
"Kaoru."
~*~*~*~
After about half an hour, Kaoru said goodnight, and returned to her sleeping quarters. She wanted to know why Koji was in such danger. It didn't make sense. Perhaps things would be better in the morning.
Once more, Kenshin was left in the dark to contemplate the past, and future of this tiny little girl.
In his mind, Kenshin made a vow. He vowed that Koji would remain safe in Japan, and any who tried to take her away or kill her would suffer. He knew that Takuro must have made a similar vow, but it wasn't quite like the one Kenshin made. Takuro would protect and raise Koji like a father would protect and raise his daughter. But much more than the life of just one person was at stake. No one knew what the danger would be if Koji fell into the wrong hands. The lives of a whole nation could be at risk. He would do it, not just for the sake of Koji's safety and the safety of thousands of others, but also for all the Bettos that never survived the Revolution.
The night passed without incident, but the danger against Koji would never pass. Only Kenshin knew the kind of peril Takuro had gotten himself into, and only Kenshin possessed the knowledge to prevent Koji's power to be unlocked by evil minds. He cursed his past and his knowledge. In a mere two days, he felt the weight of the entire world on his shoulders, and all because of what he knew, and one little ten year old girl.
*What have I gotten myself into?* he thought to himself. *Why me?*
~~~~~~~~~~
How did you all like that chapter? Pretty good, don't you think? Sorry that this one was short again, but I am trying my best to send this out without confusing people. Now that we have the stage set, the real fun can begin. We can only wonder how this will all turn out, right? I don't think I even know how this is all going to play out! I guess we will all have to wait and see, don't we? See you next chapter!
Soul flyer.
PS: If I misspelled any names or something like that, let me know and I'll fix it. ^_^x Okay, I'm off to consume massive amounts of food dangerous to my health. Yummy!
Katie West: To tell you the truth, Katie, Koji doesn't remember anything at all, so she has no idea at what's going on. I made it so Koji would stay with Takuro because he was the one her safety was trusted to. K? I still haven't decided if I'm going to include Kenji in this fic considering that Kenshin and Kaoru are married. Hmm... What do you think?
Naomi: I know what you mean about nosy parents! I have some myself! But I'm glad you liked that last chapter, so here's another one for you to chew on!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kenshin, I probably never will either. Unless I get a lot of money. Until then, don't sue me, 'cause I don't have money yet!
AN: I've made this chapter a little supernatural, nothing like you would normally see in an actual Kenshin episode... I also kinda twisted the history and what Kenshin is known for, so if you don't like it, please don't kill me! Just say so in the review box. (I won't listen though, 'cause this is my story and you can go and write your own.) But I am working hard to keep this fic from deviating to an AU fic... I think. On with Chapter 3! This one makes the plot thicken! I am genius! I've talked to much.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 3: The Vows of Kenshin and Takuro
It's been two days since Koji arrived in Japan via the trading boat, and Koji slept without interruptions since she woke up the first time. When Koji awoke the second time in the Kamyia dojo, it was apparent that she indeed remembered nothing that happened that night in America. She had no memory of having parents who were killed before her very eyes, nor did she remember her own name. Every adult in the dojo couldn't decide whether to feel sorry for her because she couldn't remember anything, or to be relived because she couldn't remember.
The Kenshin-gumi was delighted that Koji woke up with an almost complete recovery the second morning she was there, except her memory loss of course. As the day progressed, it was evident that Koji was completely oblivious to her past. In his heart, Takuro thought it was for the better that Koji didn't remember the death of her parents. Also, Takuro wouldn't admit to it, but he knew the closer he got to Koji, the more he would hope she would never remember her true past. When Koji did remember, she might want to return home, to America. She might want to stay, but nothing was for certain.
The entire day the Kenshin-gumi discussed what could be done to help Koji, and where she would stay. After much debate, it was determined that Koji would stay with Takuro. Waotaka thought it would be for the best, because Koji's mother walked up to a complete stranger and trusted her daughter's life to him. Once it was decided, Waotaka left to meet up with city officials to allow Koji to become a citizen of Japan.
"It was as Megumi suspected," Dr. Genzai said that night over dinner. (Kenshin cooked by the way. Phew! I won't let Koji suffer Kaoru's cooking yet. I'll have to fix that.) "That whack to the head she received from those thugs must have obliterated her memory to a severe extreme. She's done so much traveling today, and it would be a good idea she stay put for the night." Everyone in the dojo was happy to let her stay the night, the happiest being Kaoru, of course.
"Of course I'll let her stay the night!" Kaoru wailed. "Do you think I'm heartless? The poor girl has gone through so much already, and I'll be glad to lend a hand!"
Megumi had taken Ayambe and Suzumbe home for the night, but she would be back in the morning to check up on Koji. Takuro was staying the night to keep an eye on Koji, who at the moment was tasting the new foods of Japan. She didn't seem to know that the adults were talking about her. Takuro was a little unsure about the fact she could speak Japanese. How did that come about?
"Dr. Genzai," he said, "could you explain how Koji could be speaking in Japanese so fluently? Please?" Kenshin nodded. "I too would like to know how she could be doing that," he said. "How is it possible, Dr.?" Dr. Genzai shook his head in a confused sort of way. "I'm not sure how that could be. Perhaps she heard so much of it that her mind just clicked. But I don't think it's that simple, so I'm in the dark as much as you are in this one."
"Takuro?" came a small voice. Everyone looked in the direction it came from, and saw it was only Koji, who had devoured everything on her plate. She had used her hands to eat, being that she wasn't a master of chopsticks yet. There was food all over her hands.
"What is it, Koji?" Takuro replied. "Where did Uncle Waotaka go?" she asked, her bright green eyes shining at him. He laughed softly and walked over to her and began to clean her hands. As he did, he said, "Uncle Waotaka has gone to some important people to let them know about you. Is that okay?"
Koji smiled big and said, "That's okay with me!" Takuro felt his heart and soul fly when he looked into her eyes. She seemed to reach out to him like she was his own child. Takuro wondered, how can anyone have the heart or reason to kill this little girl? But that was a good question, why were they after her? If any reason, their mission would never be fulfilled. He vowed that she would live a full life in Japan, and any who had opposition to that would have to answer to Takuro's fists.
Himura Kenshin said nothing after he asked Dr. Genzai how Koji could speak Japanese. He didn't know why he asked, though. Perhaps he had hoped that Dr. Genzai could come up with a better explanation than the real truth. Kenshin knew the real reason she could speak in fluent Japanese. The very moment Kenshin laid eyes on Koji, he could tell she was a very special girl. Koji was gifted with a special talent, and Kenshin had seen such a talent a long time ago. Perhaps that's why those men were after her, so they could harness her power and use it to their will. Kenshin shuddered at the thought of what it could have done to Koji.
During the Revolution, when Kenshin was Hitokiri Battossai, the Imperialists fought with a secret weapon. It was a group of people that were all different in age, size, shape, fighting skills or none, and gender. They were all people the Imperialists had found who possessed great power. There were very few of them, but they were all very powerful and deadly. They were people who possessed the talent of telekinesis. And they were also able to speak any language after hearing only a few words. This and other abilities made them valuable assets to the war. Because most were opposed to the fighting, they were tortured to cooperate, others were more submissive than that. But many were killed in battle, and few survived the war. Even fewer survived the torture of the ones who commanded them.
The control of the Bettos (Special.) was something that Kenshin, even back then, considered as a sick thing to do, for many of the Bettos were women and children and even they weren't spared the torture. Only the Imperialists knew about the Bettos, and only they new about the horror the Bettos went through.
During that time, Kenshin actually helped the Bettos fight for their freedom, and several owe their lives to the Battossai. An incredible fact many wouldn't believe even if they saw it.
Kenshin knew, without a single doubt, that Koji was gifted like the Bettos were, and the men that chased after Koji and killed her parents must have known about it. But how far would they go to come after her? It was a question Kenshin never wanted to know the answer to.
That night, when everyone in the Kamyia dojo was sound asleep, only one person remained awake: Kenshin. Takuro tried to stay awake and watch over Koji, but it was no use. Kenshin offered to watch her for him. It took a little convincing, but Takuro's tired mind finally gave in. Now Kenshin sat, his eyes never leaving Koji. The reverse-blade sword rested on his shoulder, in case of any intrusion.
In the dark, Kenshin visited the memories of his dark and bloody past. He recalled how he tried to help one particular Betto, a young boy only eight years old, and had been reduced to having no name at all. Kenshin had tried to help him the best he could, but the boy had been so badly tortured and beaten that he died before they could escape. Kenshin was still plagued by the boy's crying.
Kenshin thought about telling Takuro and Waotaka what they had gotten themselves into, and that Koji was an American version of a Betto. However, he would need to reveal dirty secrets of the Imperialists and the things that they did to the Bettos. Kenshin decided that it would have to wait. It was something Kenshin was about to go out of his way to do.
Suddenly, a door slid open, and Kenshin couldn't see who entered the room. His thumb clicked up his sword, ready for battle. A hand pushed it back down, causing Kenshin to almost kick whoever it was, but he stopped when he saw it was only Kaoru.
"Don't do that, Kaoru-dono!" Kenshin whispered urgently. "If I hadn't seen it was only you, you could've ended up serious hurt!"
Kaoru frowned, twisting her face into a fake pout. "I'm sorry, Kenshin," she apologized. "I just thought you would like some green tea, to help you stay awake." She lowered a tray for him to see, and it was carrying a teapot and two cups. Kenshin smiled. "I would like that very much, that I would, Kaoru-dono. Thank you." He thought that Kaoru's tea was as good as her cooking was bad. So that was some pretty good tea!
Kaoru sat down on her knees and carefully poured the tea into the two cups. They sat there quietly sipping their tea without saying anything, until.
"Why do you think those men were chasing her, Kenshin?" Kaoru asked suddenly. Kenshin reminded himself that Kaoru would freak out more if he told her the real reason Koji was wanted. So he lied about it.
"I do not know the purpose those men were after Koji, that I do not. Whatever it is, we can't let them get their hands on her. I will do what I can to protect her, that I will." He might have lied in that first sentence, but the last one was the real truth.
"I agree with you, Kenshin!" Kaoru whispered suddenly. Kenshin looked at her wide-eyed. "What do you mean?" he asked stupidly. Kaoru stood up determinedly and said, "I Kamyia Kaoru, Assistant Master of the Kamyia Kashin Ryuu, will do what ever it takes to protect her."
"Kaoru."
~*~*~*~
After about half an hour, Kaoru said goodnight, and returned to her sleeping quarters. She wanted to know why Koji was in such danger. It didn't make sense. Perhaps things would be better in the morning.
Once more, Kenshin was left in the dark to contemplate the past, and future of this tiny little girl.
In his mind, Kenshin made a vow. He vowed that Koji would remain safe in Japan, and any who tried to take her away or kill her would suffer. He knew that Takuro must have made a similar vow, but it wasn't quite like the one Kenshin made. Takuro would protect and raise Koji like a father would protect and raise his daughter. But much more than the life of just one person was at stake. No one knew what the danger would be if Koji fell into the wrong hands. The lives of a whole nation could be at risk. He would do it, not just for the sake of Koji's safety and the safety of thousands of others, but also for all the Bettos that never survived the Revolution.
The night passed without incident, but the danger against Koji would never pass. Only Kenshin knew the kind of peril Takuro had gotten himself into, and only Kenshin possessed the knowledge to prevent Koji's power to be unlocked by evil minds. He cursed his past and his knowledge. In a mere two days, he felt the weight of the entire world on his shoulders, and all because of what he knew, and one little ten year old girl.
*What have I gotten myself into?* he thought to himself. *Why me?*
~~~~~~~~~~
How did you all like that chapter? Pretty good, don't you think? Sorry that this one was short again, but I am trying my best to send this out without confusing people. Now that we have the stage set, the real fun can begin. We can only wonder how this will all turn out, right? I don't think I even know how this is all going to play out! I guess we will all have to wait and see, don't we? See you next chapter!
Soul flyer.
PS: If I misspelled any names or something like that, let me know and I'll fix it. ^_^x Okay, I'm off to consume massive amounts of food dangerous to my health. Yummy!