Subject: [KFFDisc] Tak's Untitled Fic (this is it) Part 1 Date: Mon, 08 Mar 1999 14:17:39 -0600 From: Robin Kloster Reply-To: kenshinfanfics@egroups.com Organization: The Demoness Quartet To: kenshinfanfics@egroups.com ;p Just to get you people to hush up long enough for me to survive my midterm (which I'm probably going to fail) on suiyoubi...erm, wednesday I mean. Here's the fic that was POSTED in August ;p with all of Tak's ramblings with it. ^_~ Now aren't you glad I saved just about every fic from back then? The rest will follow shortly. - Meimi ________________________________________________________________________ Tak - Tak62077@aol.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ eGroup of the Day: "QueerLaw" - Discuss queer legal theory, sexual orientation and The Law. http://offers.egroups.com/click/240/0 eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/kenshinfanfics Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: [KFFDisc] Untitled Fic (Draft) Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 03:36:50 EDT From: Reply-To: kenshinfanfics@makelist.com To: kenshinfanfics@makelist.com Hi! I'm new to this board and kind of been a lurker for the past month or so reading all the wonderful fics that members of the list have been posting. Reading the fics on this board inspired me to start writing my own Ruruoni Kenshin fanfiction. It's my first fanfiction, so I am sure there's probably a lot of errors and stuff that I didn't catch yet. But, if you have the time, I would be honored if you read my fiction. I decided to write a fiction about Kaoru, it deals about her past, present life, and future life. I'm hoping one hasn't been written like this. There are so many different fanfictions out there that have already been written. Anyways, this story takes place after the Kyoto arc and before the revenge arc. Also, I kind of created some new characters (mostly made up people from Kaoru's past hoping it won't contrast with the original storyline) to help move the story along. It's kind of long, but I hope you enjoy reading the first part of it. Thanks for taking the time! ___________________________________________________________________ "I'm glad you finally had a opportunity to visit us here in Tokyo, Misao chan! Please stay as long as you like!" Kaoru exclaimed. Misao set down her knapsack. "Arigato Kaoru. I'll only be here for a little while though. I have some Oniwabanshu business to tend to. But, I'll be sure to have some fun while I'm here.", Misao assured. "You must be tired from your trip. Please sit down and have some ocha and these oishii rice cakes Megumi san brought over last night.", Kaoru suggested as she served the ocha and opened a black laquer box filled with scrumptious cakes. Sanosuke rushed to the table. "Nani?! Why didn't you tell me Megumi brought these over?!", he exclaimed. He hated to admit it, but he loved Megumi's rice cakes and it was a rare treat for him. He drooled as he watched Kaoru set them out. Kaoru narrowed her eyes. "Because if I did, there wouldn't be any to serve to Misao chan! Don't even think about touching one until she has at least tried them." she replied sternly. Kaoru turned to Misao, "hai, doozo." Sanosuke slouched and crossed his arms. Kenshin and Yahiko could her him cursing and pouting silently under his breath. They both snickered, even though Sano was once a famous gangster and the master of futae no kiwami, he could be such a baby when it came to the topic of food. It was a sunny and warm day at the Kamiya dojo. A slight, cool breeze ran through the dojo's doors making the wind chime tinkle. It was a sound of serenity and peace at the dojo. They all welcomed it after the trials and tribulations at Kenshin's battle with Shishio. It was nice to have things finally back to normal with no unecessary worries. "How's Aoshi?", Kenshin inquired breaking the short silence. Misao frowned and put down her cup. "He still meditates everyday at the temple. He doesn't talk much to any of us. I know he has never shown his emotions, but still... I wish he would open up to me. Right now I can only support him from a distance.", she sighed. Kaoru smiled. She knew how much Misao cared for Aoshi. Maybe just as much as she cared for Kenshin. Even though Kaoru knew Kenshin had deep secrets of his own, she was glad that Kenshin didn't shut her out. She felt sorry for Misao. Kowai sou ne she pitied. Kaoru knew she should do something to cheer Misao up and to make her froget her worries while she was in Tokyo. "Misao chan, why don't we go and celebrate your arrival by eating at Akabeko? I'm sure you had Sae's shabu shabu at Shirobeko in Kyoto, but what about trying Tae's Tokyo style shabu shabu? I'm sure you'll love it!" Kaoru turned to Kenshin, "Ne, Kenshin?" Kenshin smiled, "Sou de gozaru." * * * * * Later that afternoon, Kenshin, Kaoru, Misao, Sanosuke, and Yahiko headed to town. Sanosuke was literally beaming at the thought that he was going to eat without worrying about the bill. Also, Yahiko grinned in anticipation at the chance to see Tsubame chan again. I have to hand it to Kaoru, her idea was brilliant! they both silently admitted to themselves. Kaoru stopped. "I wanted to take Misao shopping first for some omiyage to take back with her to Kyoto. It's the least we can do since they were so hospitable to us in Kyoto.", she announced. "Nani?! Jodan desho?! I HATE shopping!", Sanosuke complained. "I want to eat!" "Ore mo", Yahiko agreed eager to visit with Tsubame chan. Kaoru rolled her eyes. "Fine then, why don't you three go on ahead and we will meet you at Akabeko. But, don't you dare start eating until we arrive!", she ordered. Yahiko and Sanosuke already started heading to Akabeko. Kenshin turned to Kaoru. "Are you sure you will be alright?", he asked concerned. Kaoru's heart fluttered. He worries about me so much, it shows he cares! "I'll be fine Kenshin. Just make sure Yahiko and Sano don't eat up all the food!", she winked. Kenshin smiled and headed off. Everytime Kenshin asked her if she would be alright, her heart always skipped a beat. He always protects me she thought. It was the little things that made her love him so much. "You are so lucky Kaoru san. I wish Aoshi would worry about me once in awhile. I can tell Himura cares for you", Misao gushed. "I hope so", Kaoru replied. But deep inside, she had sometimes felt unsure about her relationship with Kenshin. There was no question in her mind that she loved him and only him. But what about Kenshin? Did he feel the same way towards her? Would he ever return her feelings? She always wondered if Kenshin loved her romantically or only as a little sister? She knew that there was quite a difference in their ages, but it never bothered her. They finally arrived at the okashiya, the small shop was filled with aromas of rice crackers and mochi sweets. "Which ones would you like to bring back to Kyoto?", Kaoru asked. Misao scratched her head. "There are so many! I'm not sure which ones to choose, they all look so scrumptious, Kaoru!" They continued looking and sampling the sweets until Kaoru felt someone tape her shoulder. She quickly turned around to see two girls about her age in beautiful satin dresses. Even though they were wearing foreign clothes, they definitly looked like they were from Japan. "Aren't you Kamiya Kaoru san?", one of the girls asked. Kaoru looked at the two girls. How did they know her name? "Yes, do I know you?", she asked suspiciously. "Don't you remember us?!" one of the girls exclaimed. "I'm Shiratori Aya! And this is Ishida Eri!" she said as she gestured to the other girl. "We went to school together when we were children!" Kaoru looked at the girls closely as it slowly came back to her. Wow, they've grown up and matured a lot she thought. "I remember now! Ohisashiburi desu ne! How are you doing?", she asked. Aya beamed. "I just got married recently" as she raised her left hand to reveal a sparkling gem ring. "Even though it was an arranged marriage, I'm very happy. My new husband has a high government position and we just moved into a Western style house a outside of Tokyo! I even had the opportunity to go to England after we were married. I'm so happy, it's been my dream since childhood!" Kaoru smiled and couldn't help feeling a little envious of her friend. She stared at the ring on her Aya's finger reminding her of the time she had mistakenly thought Kenshin had proposed to her when he accidently gave her someone else's engagement ring. Trying to put those disappointing thoughts out of her mind, she quickly turned to Eri, "What about you Eri? Did you wed?" Eri shook her head. "No, not yet. Actually, I've been studying abroad. I'll be going back to China in a month. Hopefully, I'll get in more traveling when I'm there. It's been such an experience! What about you Kaoru san?", she asked. Kaoru felt color rising to her cheeks. Since both of her parents past away, she hadn't had to opportunity or money to do much. Especially, as much as her two childhood friends. "I've been taking care of my father's dojo and teaching kenjitsu. I'm now the new master of Kamiya Kashin Ryu." The two girls looked at each other and turned to Kaoru. "You are still practicing kenjitsu? You must know that in this era, that's not considered important anymore. I didn't think you were still into that. I heard you lost all your students.", Aya said. Kaoru felt ashamed, even though it wasn't her fault, it definitly took a toll on the reputation of her father's dojo. "Yes, awhile back. But, I have a few new students now." "I heard rumors that the Hitokiri Battousai is living with you. Is that true?", Eri asked curiously. Kaoru nodded. "Yes, but he's not a hitokiri anymore. His name is Himura Kenshin. He's very kind and helps me out at the dojo." Aya sighed. "Of all of us, I always thought you were going to have the most fortunate future. I always envied how you were treated as an only child with lots of attention and beautiful kimonos. I'm disappointed in you, how could you defend a killer like that? Don't you know it's dangerous to live with someone like that. Also, how could you even live with any man unmarried? Don't you think you are disgracing your name?", Aya scolded. Eri nodded in agreement. "I always thought you were the smart one. Don't you know rumors are flying all around town about you? I didn't think they were true when I first heard of them." "We are only telling you this for your own good.", Aya added. Kaoru stood there dumbfounded and speechless. Why couldn't she defend her new friends and lifestyle? Her friends were bad mouthing her beloved and calling her baka. Say something! she ordered to herself. But, no words would come out. It was similar to the time when Kenshin said good-bye to her before leaving for Kyoto. She couldn't say anything. Or the first time saw Kenshin at Hiko's home in Kyoto. Misao had been watching from a distance and just couldn't stand it anymore. She knew too that Kaoru was speechless as she witnessed the same thing in Kyoto. Misao thought to herself that she wouldn't interfere in Kaoru's reunion at first, but now she felt she had to do something. Misao stomped over between Kaoru and her two friends. "You have no right to say those things about Kaoru and Himura! Besides, it is none of your business anyways! It's people like you that make those rumors spread with your noisy gossiping!", Misao barked. The two girls raised their brows. "Who are you to interrupt our conversation?", Eri demanded. Misao knew not to wait for Kaoru to introduce her. "I'm Makimachi Misao, leader of the Oniwabanshu of Kyoto.", she annouced proudly. "Oniwabanshu? Aren't those ninjas from the olden days?", Aya exclaimed. "It's the first time I've been so close to one. A ninja girl too! I thought those were long gone with the samurai!" Misao felt herself growing with anger and impatience. Ninja girl?! Long gone with the samurai?! The nerve of these girls! Who did they think they were?! Misao raged. "If it weren't for the samurai and Oniwabanshu, you wouldn't be enjoying the lives you have now! I may be a "ninja girl", but at least I'm not snobby or prissy!" "Didn't they teach you manners?! Kaoru, you definitly have lowered yourself to socialize with people like ninjas and the hitokiri!", Aya huffed. Misao was ready to explode. These girls deserve a good kacho kick in the atama! Misao thought. But, looking at Kaoru, she didn't want to embarass or cause any trouble to her in Tokyo. Instead she grabbed Kaoru's kimono sleeve and hurried out of the shop. She kept dragging Kaoru for a few blocks. She finally stopped when they arrived in the front of Akabeko. "Kaoru san?" Kaoru turned to Misao. What just happened? she thought to herself. "Gomen, gomen. I did't know what came over me." Kaoru laughed uneasily. "Why couldn't I defend myself like I usually do?" Misao looked worried at Kaoru. She's not her usual self. Why would she let girls like that get to her? Misao couldn't believe that Kaoru actually once associated herself with people like those. "Don't listen to them. They're not your friends", she consoled. Kaoru kicked a pebble with her slipper and looked towards the ground. She finally realized why she couldn't defend herself. "They're right," she admitted. Misao turned to Kaoru. "NANI?! You must be kidding! You're not a snob like them! How can they be right?! Look what they said about Himura and the Oniwabanshu!" Kaoru shook her head. "No, not about that. They reminded me about a part I had frogotten about myself. Before my parents died, I wanted to do so much. Travel, study, get married, just like any normal girl. I had no intention of taking over the Kamiya dojo. But, when my father passed away, I felt it was my duty and resposibility. I decided to put everything aside for that. I guess seeing them fufilling their dreams made me a bit envious. I always wondered what might have been if my parents didn't pass away.", Kaoru confided. "But, what about Himura?", Misao asked. Kaoru smiled. "Deep inside, I know it was uncommon for a man to live with a girl unmarried and I can't blame them for misunderstanding. But, with it being Kenshin I can forget all about what's right and what's not. I don't have any regrets at all. But, sometimes I feel impatient waiting for Kenshin to reveal his true feelings for me.", she admitted. Misao sighed. "I know what you mean. Same thing goes with Aoshi and me." Kaoru smiled. "Let's forget all about this incident, okay? I'm content with the way my life is and don't care about what people say. Let's go inside, they are all waiting for us." * * * * * Three weeks had passed since Misao visited them in Tokyo. Before Misao had gone home, Kaoru made Misao swear to secrecy that she would not mention the incident to the others. She didn't want them to worry about her unecessarily. Besides, Kaoru was now over it and realize she was proud with her new family and lifestyle. She realized that she was just caught off guard at that moment and felt a little disappointed in herself for not defending her new friends and needed Misao to do it for her. Kaoru was busy preparing for dinner. Kenshin, Sanosuke, and Yahiko left to catch some fish for dinner. She was hoping the would return soon not empty handed. Just then she heard the wooden gate out front slam. Finally they arrived back. Kaoru ran out and called out, "Okarinasai! Did you catch any....", her voiced trailed off as she saw who stood before her. Another face from her past she had not seen in awhile. "Obasan", she said. "Ohisashiburi ne, Kaoru chan," her aunt replied. "Konnichiwa, Kaoru!", another voice called out. Kaoru looked and saw her cousin behind her aunt. It had been awhile since she had seen her cousin, Hikari. Even though Hikari was two years younger than her, she used to play with her all the time. "Hikari! Obasan! What are you doing here in Tokyo?" she exclaimed. "We've come to discuss a very important matter with you," her aunt replied simply. Kaoru looked at them questioningly, but invited them in. She served tea and placed herself on the zabuton in front of her father's sister and cousin. "What is the important matter you wanted to discuss?", she said. "I received a letter in the mail," her aunt replied as she brought out a letter and placed it on the table. "It's from two of your childhood friends, Aya and Eri. Remember all of you used to visit me during the summers at the hot springs?" Kaoru nodded as she picked up the letter and began to read. "They informed me that they were worried about you and your improper lifestyle.", her aunt continued. Just then, voices came from outside. They returned Kaoru thought. She could hear them speaking and she was sure her aunt and cousing could hear their conversation too from the distance. "Man, I'm beat! Buso better appreciate are hard work and better not wreck this dinner with her horrible cooking!", Yahiko remarked. "Shikusho! I didn't think this would take all day! Now I can't gamble and win back my money!", Sanosuke remarked. They finally reached the house. "Tadaima, Kaoru dono! Oro~?", Kenshin said as he saw the visitors. "Oi? Who are these people?", Yahiko asked. Not a good first impression. My aunt's probably judging them already, Kaoru thought. "Um...Kenshin, Yahiko, Sanosuke, this is my aunt and my cousin, Hikari. They've come to visit me.", she introduced. "Eh? You actually had relatives?!", Sanosuke replied. Just then Hikari beamed at Sanosuke. She got up to take a closer look at him. "My, you're tall! I'm Hikari, pleased to meet you!", she gushed. Sanosuke looked at this strange, young girl. "I guess", he muttered nervously. Kenshin stepped foward. "I'm Himura Kenshin. I'm pleased to make your accquaintance. This is the first time I have met Kaoru's family." Her aunt bowed slightly at his introduction, then replied. "Please excuse us, but I would like to discuss a family matter with Kaoru in private." Sano and Yahiko raised their brows? What's going on. But, Kenshin lead them away. "Sorry to intrude, we'll wait outside." Kaoru watched helplessly as they left the room. Hikari leaned over the table and whispered "Kaoru, you're so lucky! Sanosuke is so cool!" Kaoru let out a small chuckle. It looked like Sano gained himself a fan. She could tell Hikari was definitly interested in Sanosuke. "Hikari, be quiet!", her aunt ordered. "Kaoru chan, I'm very disappointed in you. How could you associate yourself with those people? Hitokiri Battousai, an ex gangster, and an orphan who was once a thief? How can an unmarried girl live with these people? Do you know the scandal it is causing to our family name?!", she lectured. Kaoru was sure to defend herself this time. "I don't care! I'm content about my new friends and I care about all of them deeply!", she retorted. "I thought if I left you with Genzai Sensei, he would watch over you. But, he is most certaintly not doing a proper job! You're father would never allowed this. He deeply cherished the motto of Kamiya Kashin Ryu of protecting people and not killing. But, you have allowed a cold blooded killer to live in his house! How disrespectful and irresponsible!", her aunt continued. The mention of her father's name made Kaoru tense up. "You are wrong, Kenshin is not like that, he protects us from harm and has given up the life of a hitokiri!" Her aunt just shook her head. "I saw him carrying a sword. If he had given that life up, he would have discarded his sword.", she continued. "Anyways, I will no longer allow you to live your life improperly. You will leave this dojo and live with me, Hikari and my eldest daugher Kaori. Kaori is back home going through bridal training and you should be doing the same!", her aunt ordered. Kaoru's eyes widened. Leave the dojo? Leave my friends? Leave KENSHIN? NEVER! she thought. Kaoru would never abandon the dojo. It was her life, the path she had chosen when her father died. Also, most importantly, the dojo was her home and her home to her friends. * * * * * Kenshin and Yahiko waited outside the dojo sitting on the veranda. Kaoru and her aunt had been there for hours. Yahiko had fallen asleep waiting so long. Sanosuke left awhile back to the Akabeko because he was starving. Even though Kenshin had been outside the whole time, he heard every word that was uttered through the thin sliding doors. He didn't mean to evasdropp, it just happened. They were discussing Kaoru's future. He hadn't thought about it, but had to agree with what her aunt was saying. He knew it was improper for a girl like Kaoru to associate herself with someone like him. I've been selfish, he thought to himself. I didn't think about her reputation if I lived here. I was just happy that she invited me to live with her despite my past. Also, is it fair for someone like Kaoru to fall in love with me? She's still young and has her whole life ahead of her. Do I have the right to love her? He continued thinking to himself. He remembered what Kaoru had said in front of the Akabeko to Misao. She didn't know he was there, but he had accidently over heard her talking. Recalling her words, "...They reminded me about a part I had frogotten about myself. Before my parents died, I wanted to do so much. Travel, study, get married, just like any normal girl. I had no intention of taking over the Kamiya dojo. But, when my father passed away, I felt it was my duty and resposibility. I decided to put everything aside for that. I guess seeing them fufilling their dreams made me a bit envious. I always wondered what might have been if my parents didn't pass away." Kenshin knew that there was still much Kaoru wanted to do. But, he knew she had unselfishly dedicated her life to him and Yahiko, always taking care of them, doing her best cooking for them, and going to work to earn money for them. Am I holding her back? Kenshin thought. Kenshin could hear Kaoru's voice as she begged and pleaded with her aunt to let her stay and live her own life. He knew that she loved him, but his past would not let him declare his love for her. He didn't want her to wait, she doesn't to deserve to wait. She should find her own happiness now. Just then in the midst of Kenshin's thought, the sliding door opened. Hikari stepped out and looked at Kenshin. "Where's Sagara san?", she asked. Kenshin smiled. Her cousin was not afraid of him. "He left awhile ago.", he anwsered. Hikari sighed. She desperetly wanted to see him again even though her mother would never allow it. She never met anyone like Sanosuke before, she was interested about him. She sat next to Kenshin. "I really don't see what's wrong with you and Kaoru living together. I can tell Kaoru deeply cares about you. I'm sure you feel the same way too, otherwise you wouldn't be here. If you two are happy together, why should it be wrong?", she said gazing up at the stars. Kenshin looked at Hikari. She looked almost like Kaoru with her hair tied up in a ponytail. But, she was much more petite than Kaoru. He was pretty sure it was because Kaoru practieced kenjitsu and judo. He smiled at her, but didn't reply. Kaoru's aunt stepped out side. "We'll be staying at a hotel in town. This matter is definitly not settled." She grabbed Hikari's hand and walked out of the dojo. Kaoru sighed. She walked outside and sat down next to Kenshin. "I'm sorry for all this. My aunt can be so stubborn! I'm not going to let her run my life. I've been on my own for this long and I've been just fine." Kenshin stood up his back to her. "Kenshin?" Kaoru asked. Kenshin knew what he had to do. Even though it broke his heart to do it, he had to for her own good. I can't hold her back any longer. If I care for her, then I have to let her go. Let her go and fulfill the dreams she once carried as a child. Even though she thinks she is happy now, she may regret it sometime in the years to come. I need to give her that chance, Kenshin thought. I can take care of Yahiko for her. She's too young to be held down with these burdens. Like I have, she needs to experience life. "Kenshin?", Kaoru replied again. Without turning his back, "Kaoru, I will never marry you. Please don't wait for me.", he simply. The end of part 1. ____________________________________________________________ List Site: http://www.findmail.com/list/kenshinfanfics/ To unsubscribe, send to kenshinfanfics-unsubscribe@makelist.com FREE group e-mail lists at http://www.findmail.com