Sano's bride will be revealed in this chappie. I have some 'notes' about her at the end of the story so for now that's all I have to say. On to the disclaimer!
Disclaimer: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin or any of its characters ok? Take a chill pill!
Chapter 7: The Voyage
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She was stiff, she was sore, and she wanted to take a bath. Kaoru was trying to get some rest even though she had been trying for the past 24 hours. The continuos motion of the rolling waves upset her stomach and made the ship creak. When there was a sudden halt Kaoru's eyes popped open and darted around the room frantically. Megumi placed a calming hand on her shoulder.
"I think we've arrived in Port Newlond." She whispered softly.
"Oh?" Kaoru sat up all the way. She looked toward the door as the same wiry man walked in and once again stood up on a box in order to speak to the women.
"Ladies? Please, may I have your attention! Wake up for a moment, ladies." The ladies began sitting up mumbling and complaining that they needed their sleep. "Now, now ladies it will only take a minute. We have arrived in Port Newlond and will be taking on about 20 more women. Please try and make room for them as best you can. It will probably mean that you won't be able to lie on your back to sleep, but I'm sure you will be able to work something out." The ladies instantly became irritated and upset. They began shouting at the man asking him why he hadn't thought of this before.
"Ladies please calm yourselves, I'm sorry, but this is just the way it has to be. Please try and make this trip bearable by at least having a good attitude. Now the other women will be boarding shortly so please adjust yourselves however is necessary."
The women began to move about trying to still keep a good portion of space for themselves. That is except for Megumi and Kaoru. They were still in the far corner and the closest woman to them was five feet away.
"Well," said Megumi, "So much for our privacy."
"Yes I assume this is where all the new women will flock."
"Well, we can hold our ground. Between the two of us we'll have enough room to lay down. We can share."
"Right." Kaoru said just before they heard the low rumble of moving feet coming down the stairs. Soon a steady flow of women streamed in through the doorway and the whole process of finding a 'spot' began all over again. Women began shouting and yelling as they protected their 'lot.' The new ladies shoved other's blankets aside in order to make room. Some ladies began heading toward Kaoru and Megumi's corner and sat down on the empty spots around the pair. One girl in particular caught Kaoru's eye.
She appeared to be a few years older than herself, perhaps 21. She had long braided black hair and sharp, cunning eyes. Kaoru watched her as she dropped her bag and plop herself down on the cold floor. Eventually their eyes met
"Hello!" she turned her head on its side and smiled. "I'm Misao Makimachi what's your name?"
"Kaoru Kamiya."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Kaoru! I can call you that can't I? Oh isn't this going to be so much fun? I can hardly wait! I will meet my husband and we will be so happy together! It will be love at first sight I just know it!"
Misao continued to ramble on and Kaoru just watched her. Everything about Misao was active and playful, that of a schoolgirl. Did she really understand what she was doing? At that point Misao noticed she was having a one-sided conversation.
"Oh please forgive me. I sometimes forget myself."
Kaoru smiled. "Don't worry about it. It doesn't bother me at all."
Megumi sniffed.
"Oh I'm sorry Megumi, this is Misao Makimachi, Misao this is Megumi Takani."
"Pleased to meet you Ms. Makimachi."
"Misao, please, and it's a pleasure to meet you too." The three women smiled perhaps this would be as unpleasant as they thought.
"Boy, it sure does get loud down here doesn't it?"
"Yes, it was quiet because some of the women were sleeping but, when we arrived in the port they all woke up again." Kaoru shook her head. She was beginning to get a headache from all the noise.
"You feel ok Kaoru?" Asked Megumi worriedly.
"Hmmm? Oh yes I'm fine my head just hurts."
"I understand completely."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *It had been two days since the new set of ladies had arrived. Now with the second stop nearing the women in the room began to get rambunctious. Everyone was dreading having to cram again. Especially when they had finally just gotten situated.
The man once again stood up. "Ladies we are just about to dock. Please try and stay seated as the new ladies board."
The ship jolted to a halt and the ladies immediately began to jabber amongst themselves again.
Kaoru sighed, "This scenario is getting old is it not?" She looked at Megumi and Misao.
"Yes I agree. It gets extremely loud when this takes place."
"How many times have you two been through this?" Misao asked curiously.
"Twice."
"Too many!" Megumi added with disgust. This was certainly an ordeal.
Soon more ladies began filtering through the door fighting for a place to sleep. Kaoru, Megumi, and Misao held their ground as best as the could as women tried to shove things aside to make room.
Kaoru was just about to lose her mind when a young lady with brown hair approached her,
"Excuse me?" Do you ladies mind if I sit with you?" All three women turned their heads to stare at the intruder. She was not very tall and had kind eyes. Megumi, Kaoru, and Misao looked at one another untill they reached an unspoken agreement that the woman could stay.
"Please sit down and make yourself comfortable." Kaoru said.
"Thank you very much!"
"What's your name?" Misao asked.
"Oh please forgive my rudeness my name is Sayo." (A/N she is revealed!)
"Hello Sayo, I am Megumi this is Kaoru and that is Misao."
"It's a pleasure to meet you all!"
"So who's the lucky man you will be residing with?" Misao asked enthusiastically.
"Oh, I don't know yet I haven't had the chance to look. Let me see . . ." Sayo calmly took out her packet and emptied the contents into her lap. "His name Sanoske Sagara, he's 27 years old, and he lives on a farm in the outskirts of a small town called Berriesburg."
All three women sqealed.
"That's where we're going!" Misao shouted.
"How wonderful! We will all be traveling together!"
"Yes indeed . . ." Megumi said hesitantly.
Kaoru eyed Megumi questioningly. "What's wrong Megumi?" Kaoru whispered.
"Hmm? Oh nothing. Don't worry about it." Megumi said quickly and continued to eye their new visitor.
"I will be marrying a man by the name of Aoshi Shinomori. He's the mayor of Berriesburg!" Misao stated happily. " Such a lovely name isn't it? Aoshi . . ."
Kaoru chuckled, "You haven't even met the guy yet."
"I know but I just know he will love me and I him, it will be so wonderful!"
"Quit your daydreaming girl." Megumi said practically. "You will meet the man and spend a good portion of your marriage getting to know him, and maybe if you're lucky he will fall for you and you will love him back."
"Oh don't be so harsh Megumi." Sayo said in defense. "A woman can dream can't she?"
"All I was saying don't go in with high expectations. That way if your low expectations are met you're happy and if you get higher than you expected then you are pleasantly surprised."
"That's a good way of looking at it Megumi." Megumi smiled warmly at Kaoru.
"Well nothing's gonna stop me from dreaming of the perfect life. I'm sure it will be just wonderful." Sayo said with vigor.
"I hope it is for you and your husband's sake."
"What's that supposed to mean Megumi?" Sayo asked agitated.
"Nothing, I just hope you get what you're looking for."
"I plan to." After this unpleasant exchange of words between Sayo and Megumi, Megumi went back to sleep and Sayo continued talking with Misao. Kaoru puzzled by it all. Decided to think about it later. And with the rocking of the boat Kaoru was slowly lulled to sleep.
* * * * * * * * * 2 Weeks Later * * * * * * * * * * * *The Women's ocean voyage was quickly coming to an end as the ship moved closer and closer to shore. Just when no one was expecting it, the man stood up to announce they had arrived.
"Ladies, quiet down please. Here are the proceedings for exiting. You will exit in shifts. Those shifts will each be taken to a train station. You will all board a train and be taken to your new home. Please take out your packets and look at the number in the top left-hand corner. Each number represents a different shift. Now will shift 'one' please head up the stairs and onto the deck. A couple ladies stood up and gathered their bags and hastily left the room.
"Well, we're finally here ladies." Megumi stated with pure joy. "Soon we will all have bathed and smell sweet and clean."
The other three ladies nodded and continued to pack their stuff all the while listening for their shift.
"Shift 12"
"That's us" Misao stated as she jumped up bags in hand. "Make haste ladies we wouldn't want to miss out train."
Kaoru grabbed her few belongings and followed closely behind Megumi. Soon she saw sunlight drifting through the cracks overhead. She stepped out on deck and took in a large breath of air. It was so sweet, so pure Kaoru let her eyes drift along the shoreline taking in the dock and the small houses situated around it. It was so much cleaner than London. She made her way down the gangplank and onto dry land. It felt so good to have solid ground beneath her feet.
"Come on Kaoru, we've got to hurry." Megumi shouted over her shoulder at the straggling Kaoru.
"Coming." She managed to say before she was lost from sight completely. She ran as fast as her legs would permit after such a long time of immobility. The group of about 30 or so women finally reached the station and was quickly shoved onto a small train. A small man with squinty eyes gave a few final instructions to them before the train left the station. Kaoru, Megumi, Misao, and Sayo, just sat there in utter disorientation.
"Well . . . that was . . . quick." Misao said slowly.
"Did anyone catch a thing he said?" Kaoru asked nervously.
"Don't worry Kaoru we just stay on this train until it reaches a town called Marrian from there we board a train that heads out to Berriesburg. It shouldn't be too complex. Just stay with our group and you should be fine. Kaoru let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad you caught that."
"I didn't. I just know this train's last stop is Marrian, and I assume that's where we'll look for another train that will take us to Berriesburg."
"Oh." Kaoru decided not to fret about it for now. She was too stressed as it was. She took in her surroundings. There were about 6 other ladies in her section of the train and she soon found out their names as Misao tactfully drew them all into conversations.
The first lady was short and fat. Her name was Molly. The second one was Abigale, who had a twin sister named Maria. Another, Marsha, was getting off at the first stop along with another woman named Sarah. The final lady was going to Berriesburg like the rest of them. She was the one who had caught Kaoru's immediate attention.
Her name was Tokio. She had dark hair and sandy brown eyes. (A/N is that right?) And of all the women on the train she was the most intriguing. She didn't talk much nor raise her voice, she simply answered Misao's questions and went on about her own business.
"Well, she takes 'mind your own business' to an extreme doesn't she?" Misao pouted.
"More like she just knows when it's good to be quiet and peaceful." Megumi sated emphatically.
Misao stuck out her tongue.
"How did a runt like you ever get in?" Megumi asked shaking her head.
"I'm no runt and I know my place. It's just that when I'm with women I think it's okay to ask questions so excuuuse me." Misao crossed her arms across her chest and looked out the window.
Kaoru shook her head. 'Well, I'm almost there. I wonder how long this train ride will take? Oh well, I'm in no hurry.' She leaned back again her seat and closed her eyes. She wasn't ready to meet this Kenshin Himura. She didn't want to be here. Yes she had friends . . .but . . .was she ready for marriage. She had so many doubts, so many concerns, and yet she had no choice. She opened her eyes and looked out the window watching the countryside roll by. 'It's so beautiful.' She thought. She sighed and leaned her head against the window. Right now she needed sleep. She would have time to worry tomorrow.
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Note about Sayo: Ok, Sayo, I like Sayo, (not for Sano) but I mean she's all right in the movie, but if you're gonna read this story you have to understand one thing. Her character is going to be WAY OOC ok? Well maybe not Way but you understand. You'll see as the story progresses. I mean I don't really know that much about her character in the first place cause you don't see her that much anyway. Sooo that said just bear with 'my' Sayo for now. Ok I'm done. Time to thank the Reviewers!
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Moonsilver- Well, what do u think of the 'match' with Sano? Well the next chapter the couples meet!!! I'm so excited I get to finally write it! Though I am gonna need some encouragement. It's gonna be one of those tough chappies. As for Sano and Megumi . . .they have a long way to go . . .lol well till next time!
Maya-chan- I am so sorry! But I promise it will all end peacfully! Hope you're ready for chapter 8!
Noner_89- I updated soon! I think . . .well, hopefully I'll get lots of reviews so my writing fingers will be quick! Thanks for reviewing!
Koishii Sweet- Umm not this chappie . . .Next one! Hope you're ready for some K&K action . . . though it's kinda strained . . .anyways thanks for reviewing!
Me, Myself, and I- Nope it's not Misao . . .I really feel sorry for Aoshi though . . .I really do . . .I don't know how he stands her. Anyway no Matthew McConroy is not related to Dr. Mccoy . . .lol. I used to watch startreck though quality show I must say! OH and thanks for the magical force field! Thanks for adding me to your fav. List though! Oh and as for Beta reading . . .SURE! I've never done it before but hey I'm up for anything! As long as you don't get irritated with me if I miss stuff LOL! Anyways thanks for the review I always look forward to yours!
Gypsy-chan- I'm SO glad you like it! Hmmm Kaoru's rice ball???? YUCK! At least she can cook (OK) in this fic. She's definitely not a chef though! LOL! Any GREAT Guess on the pairing! You are the only one that got it! Woo hoo! Throws candy! Oh yea and about the titile well I thought of naming it Mail Order Kaoru . . .but it didn't have that . . .PING I wanted so Mail Order Kenshin it was! I must say I think it sounds better when you say it . . . wouldn't you??? Hope you got your junk food and ate it happily! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you liked this chapter! The next one's definitely gonna be fun to write lol!
Tintin-chan- Next chapter I PROMISE they meet! It's the focus of that chapter sooo if you want me to hurry . . .write a review because it inspires me . . .LOL! I'm in the process of writing it now but I'm still working . . .sooo thanks for the review!
MakaiAjisai- I promise Sano and Megumi will be all right . . .later . . .much later . . .anywho thanks for the review! LOL!
Lady Ann Kenobi- Well, Kenshin and Kaoru will be together . . .it'll take a while for the 'happily ever after part' I'm afraid . . .heh heh. As for Aoshi and Misao . . .stay tuned! Thanks again for the review!
Inugurl17- I'm glad you love the story! It's always sooo encouraging to hear that! I promis I'll update again as soon as I finish the next chapter . . . but it's taking me a while to get properly inspired! Thanks again for the Review!
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Thanks again to all of my reviewers! Please stay tuned for the next chapter . . .I know, I know it's been a long time coming but I promise you are on the verge of it . . .so REVIEW so I can write FASTER!!! PLEASE I need more inspiration! LOL well thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this Chapter! Now review!!!
~Kairi7~