Forever Love 3/?
Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2003 4:12 pm
Forever Love
By: Sissi
A/N : This chapter is dedicated to my friend Camila, who has been feeling very sad lately. Cheer up, Ca! Life is wonderful and does not deserve your sorrow! Smile! ^^ Everybody, smile! ^_^
Disclaimer : I do not own Rurouni Kenshin
Chapter III
The sun slowly left its abode behind the astounding Fuji mountain to cast its shining rays on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The inhabitants of the place gladly invited the warmth lent to them for a new day has come.
Small children happily left their homes to meet each other on the battered soil road, giggling to themselves as their imagination ran free and new games were created, much to their enjoyment. Nothing could destroy their pleasure at that moment except for the grey clouds that threatened to cover the golden orb, proclaiming a storm that would certainly come and wash the earth.
Aoshi watched his surroundings with no emotion in his eyes, barely paying heed to the pulsating lives that surrounded him. The only thought that plagued his mind occupied most of it, for he was conceiving a plan on how to inform Misao about something as abstract as death.
Not only was she foreign to it but it had to just occur to people so close to her, probably going to affect her entire being, something he desired to avoid at all costs.
Lowly peasants watched warily this strange man ride his dark stallion on the dirty road, his back hunched over the animal. His clothes were of a samurai, but the long sword placed near his hip was way too long to be favored by these skilled warriors. As much as they doubted his high position, they were still part of one of the lowliest ranks in the Japanese feudal society, and with this in mind and with fright in their hearts, they bowed to him.
Nodding to them, he continued his path.
He had left the tea house in Kyoto some hours ago, his body already complaining from the lack of rest since he had returned from the war. He shook his head; it was not the time to think about this.
Although the light casted upon his handsome face lit his cheeks and chin, the dark clouds shadowed his eyes, playing a game of light and darkness on his serious features. No flaw or weakness could be found in him, mainly because he hid them well.
He kicked the sides of his horse, making him run faster, leaving behind a trail of dust. Within some minutes, he noticed that he was already in his fief. The fields were full, indicating that the harvest would be soon and rich; his house would be able to savour the fruits of his labour once again.
He stopped before two big wooden doors already aged with time. Stepping down from his stallion, not before patting it, seizing the reins and tying them to the nearest post, he opened the main doors with a loud crack and a medium-size garden could be spotted, along with a small Budhist shrine not far from the main establishment, a simple yet beautifully built house to be more precise, which stood in the centre of the area.
The dew formed in the morning fell from the green leaves near the shrine, breaking the silence that had followed right after his entrance. The chilling morning had created an ethereal velvet of fog surrounding the place, whilst the cold wind helped spreading the humidity from the air, soothing his tired heart. The smell of lilies and dandelions also helped him feel better, memories of the house and the shrine he cherished and loved coming back to him.
“Aoshi!” a young maiden cried out, rushing out of the old house and flying to his open arms, still not believing what her eyes were seeing. He kept her within his arms. It had been a long time since he last saw her. The servants who heard the commotion entered the garden and after acknowledging the fact that their master was back, bowed and left the scene to do their daily tasks.
“Misao.” He was not a man of many words but the young girl of barely fourteen years old already knew that and acknowledged his greeting .She had missed him a lot. Her heart jumped from her chest when she noticed that she was still in his arms, and blushing furiously, she pulled away.
“So, where are the others?” she asked cheerfully, trying to cover her embarressment with the question. Not noticing the way his eyes darkened, she glanced at the sky, a hand over her eyes to protect her from the blinding luminosity. That was when he noticed her slightly puffy eyes and a wet track gliding down her cheeks. She had been crying. Could she already know of the terrible news he had come to tell her?
“They won’t be coming here.”
“Why not?”
So, she still had no idea of the subject. Sighing in relief, he turned around and watched the stillness of the place, somehow disturbing him profoundly. The sudden noise of someone coffing wildly caught his attention and he watched as Misao ran into the house, her face full of worry and fear.
Following her with quick and long steps, he soon found her kneeling beside an old man who was lying on the futon, his white hair sprawled around the floor. His right hand clutched his chest tightly, whilst his other one tried shakily to wipe away the swet that had formed on his forehead.
“Father” Aoshi said, his voice reverberating throughout the entire room. The old man opened his tired eyes and tried to sit up, and after Misao’s assistance, eyeed the man with a small gleam in his dark orbs.
“Aoshi. You are back.” The old man smiled slightly before he started coughing again, covering his mouth with his right hand. Misao tried patting his back, her frantic eyes watching her grandfather worriedly. It was not a good sign.
After the attack passed, Aoshi noticed a red liquid oozing out from the man’s hand, along some thin trails of it from his lips. Tuberculosis, he presumed. And, from the looks of it, it was already in an advanced stage.
“Misao, prepare us some tea.”
“H-hai.” The young girl replied, rushing out the room within seconds, leaving the two men to stare at each other.
“I was waiting for you. Take her with you, my time is almost over.”
Aoshi watched him as he tried to sound strong, though his shaky voice betrayed him. His once strong body was already battered, not only for his devotion to the country but also because of age. Time doesn’t forget anyone.
“How’s Misao?”
“Don’t worry. I kept her away from me.” He replied, whilst another fit of coughs invaded his body.
“Father, I cannot leave you like this. Surely-“ he was interrupted by Misao’s steps nearing the room. Both men gazed at the shoji door and without any surprise, Misao opened it and entered with a tray of green tea.
She put the tray on the floor and bowed to them. One should never forget about one’s manners, even in such a distressful situation, she thought wrily.
“Misao, could you leave us for some moments?” Aoshi asked, making her lift her head and stare with wide eyes at her uncle.
“H-hai,” she whispered, the sound barely leaving her lips before she rose up and left the room. She stepped out from that place and reached the garden, the cool air refreshing her tense body. She sat on the bench near the main door and listened to the sweet melody the birds sang from the trees.
Lifting her head so she could stare at the dark fluffly velvet that was starting to cover the sky, she prayed to Kami that everything would end up just fine.
She closed her eyes as the first raindrops fell on her face, the cold liquid gracing her warm cheeks as if a gentle feathery kiss had been placed upon her skin.
Mother Nature was surely crying for her daughter.
* * * * * * * * *
Mama-san tried to contain her frown when she heard Enishi’s proposal. Sure, it was interesting the amount of money he was proprosing, but Megumi was still very young and, therefore, could still offer her a lot of money.
But, this was Enishi Yukishiro she was dealing with, and so, she ought to be careful. She watched as his dangerous eyes were focused on her face. He was truly a dangerous man, better not stay on his bad side, she thought bitterly.
What could she do? This was a huge dilemma : she certainly couldn’t deny him, but she still had many plans for Megumi if she were to stay under her care. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, an unlady-like manner, but she could not help it; she was nervous.
Breathing in and out slowly she closed her eyes and considered her options.
Time flew by; Enishi simply watched the woman with interest. This was so much fun, watching the other being act as if the end of the world were happening right and then. Always be the hunter, he thought, never the prey.
Mama-san pried her eyes open and stared at the man sitting in front of her. It was now or never. Do not doubt your choice, always stay firm on your decisions.
“It is a deal.”
* * * * * * * * *
Megumi watched leisurely the young girls learn how to write some new kanjis, their writing beautiful and perfect. It was always fascinating to see their beaming faces whenever they accomplished that hard task, for they did not have much time to practice their writing for most of their time was dedicated to developing their geisha skills.
She settled the new kimono she had won on the table. It was barely noon and the house needed tofu to prepare the lunch. Very well, she decided that it would not hurt her if she went to the centre of the city to buy it. It would actually be very good for her; she lacked exercise and some cool and refreshing air.
“I am going to the market. Does anybody want to come with me?” The girls turned their attention to her, but they kindly refused her proposal. They were having much fun improving their vocabulary and writing skills.
“Okay, I’ll see you later. Hana-chan, don’t forget to clean the living-room, okay?” The young girl nodded enthusiastically before returning to her paper. Megumi sighed.
She entered her quarters to get some money, and after placing it securely inside her obi, she left the house. The soil was still dry, though the dark clouds had already been threatening to spill water for some time now.
Swearing in annoyance for she had forgotten to get an umbrella, Megumi walked faster, her steps short and quick. Within some minutes, she arrived at a store. After requesting some tofu, and cursing some more for the price had risen, she paid the old woman with a delicate smile and left. The first raindrops fell on her face and she dried it with the back of her hand.
Her stomach growled with the lack of food and she could not help but giggle at the thought : the most famous geisha of Kyoto had her stomach rumbling in the middle of the road, probably getting the attention of all the passers-by.
The sweet sound of her laugh cleared the stiff aura that had been hanging around her, making her feel alive once again. Holding the basin full of water with some cubes of tofu inside it with more strength, she walked down the street with revigorated energy.
Maybe life was not that bad at all. She had Aoshi and he was saving money for her freedom. She had also been saving some as well, and surely, everything would be fine.
She grinned. Lifting her face, she felt the warmth that radiated from the sun touch her cool skin, softly and gently, just like her father’s had been.
She missed him so much...
Not only her father, of course. Her dear mother, her beloved brothers...All of them were lost to the time. Yet, they still lived in her heart, in her memories. They would never be dead until she stopped thinking and loving them. And these, she would never stop doing.
As soon as the sun had been glowing in the middle of the sky, clouds covered this shining golden orb, and Megumi hurried to get home. After lunch, she could take another relaxing ofuro bath and she would feel renewed.
After some musings, she spotted her home. Opening the wooden gate, she was about to knock on the door when she heard some voices speaking behind it. Mama-san and Enishi...Had they finished their talk?
It was rude to eavesdrop, she knew that. But, she was curious, and so, she leaned and pressed her ear on the thin layer, trying her best to discern the muffled words.
“...I am sure Megumi-chan will be delighted to hear the news. She will love to know that you’ve bought her contract.”
The basin fell from her limp hands, the water flowing down the dirty ground like a stream, taking with it the hopes of a young woman.
TBC
By: Sissi
A/N : This chapter is dedicated to my friend Camila, who has been feeling very sad lately. Cheer up, Ca! Life is wonderful and does not deserve your sorrow! Smile! ^^ Everybody, smile! ^_^
Disclaimer : I do not own Rurouni Kenshin
Chapter III
The sun slowly left its abode behind the astounding Fuji mountain to cast its shining rays on a small island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The inhabitants of the place gladly invited the warmth lent to them for a new day has come.
Small children happily left their homes to meet each other on the battered soil road, giggling to themselves as their imagination ran free and new games were created, much to their enjoyment. Nothing could destroy their pleasure at that moment except for the grey clouds that threatened to cover the golden orb, proclaiming a storm that would certainly come and wash the earth.
Aoshi watched his surroundings with no emotion in his eyes, barely paying heed to the pulsating lives that surrounded him. The only thought that plagued his mind occupied most of it, for he was conceiving a plan on how to inform Misao about something as abstract as death.
Not only was she foreign to it but it had to just occur to people so close to her, probably going to affect her entire being, something he desired to avoid at all costs.
Lowly peasants watched warily this strange man ride his dark stallion on the dirty road, his back hunched over the animal. His clothes were of a samurai, but the long sword placed near his hip was way too long to be favored by these skilled warriors. As much as they doubted his high position, they were still part of one of the lowliest ranks in the Japanese feudal society, and with this in mind and with fright in their hearts, they bowed to him.
Nodding to them, he continued his path.
He had left the tea house in Kyoto some hours ago, his body already complaining from the lack of rest since he had returned from the war. He shook his head; it was not the time to think about this.
Although the light casted upon his handsome face lit his cheeks and chin, the dark clouds shadowed his eyes, playing a game of light and darkness on his serious features. No flaw or weakness could be found in him, mainly because he hid them well.
He kicked the sides of his horse, making him run faster, leaving behind a trail of dust. Within some minutes, he noticed that he was already in his fief. The fields were full, indicating that the harvest would be soon and rich; his house would be able to savour the fruits of his labour once again.
He stopped before two big wooden doors already aged with time. Stepping down from his stallion, not before patting it, seizing the reins and tying them to the nearest post, he opened the main doors with a loud crack and a medium-size garden could be spotted, along with a small Budhist shrine not far from the main establishment, a simple yet beautifully built house to be more precise, which stood in the centre of the area.
The dew formed in the morning fell from the green leaves near the shrine, breaking the silence that had followed right after his entrance. The chilling morning had created an ethereal velvet of fog surrounding the place, whilst the cold wind helped spreading the humidity from the air, soothing his tired heart. The smell of lilies and dandelions also helped him feel better, memories of the house and the shrine he cherished and loved coming back to him.
“Aoshi!” a young maiden cried out, rushing out of the old house and flying to his open arms, still not believing what her eyes were seeing. He kept her within his arms. It had been a long time since he last saw her. The servants who heard the commotion entered the garden and after acknowledging the fact that their master was back, bowed and left the scene to do their daily tasks.
“Misao.” He was not a man of many words but the young girl of barely fourteen years old already knew that and acknowledged his greeting .She had missed him a lot. Her heart jumped from her chest when she noticed that she was still in his arms, and blushing furiously, she pulled away.
“So, where are the others?” she asked cheerfully, trying to cover her embarressment with the question. Not noticing the way his eyes darkened, she glanced at the sky, a hand over her eyes to protect her from the blinding luminosity. That was when he noticed her slightly puffy eyes and a wet track gliding down her cheeks. She had been crying. Could she already know of the terrible news he had come to tell her?
“They won’t be coming here.”
“Why not?”
So, she still had no idea of the subject. Sighing in relief, he turned around and watched the stillness of the place, somehow disturbing him profoundly. The sudden noise of someone coffing wildly caught his attention and he watched as Misao ran into the house, her face full of worry and fear.
Following her with quick and long steps, he soon found her kneeling beside an old man who was lying on the futon, his white hair sprawled around the floor. His right hand clutched his chest tightly, whilst his other one tried shakily to wipe away the swet that had formed on his forehead.
“Father” Aoshi said, his voice reverberating throughout the entire room. The old man opened his tired eyes and tried to sit up, and after Misao’s assistance, eyeed the man with a small gleam in his dark orbs.
“Aoshi. You are back.” The old man smiled slightly before he started coughing again, covering his mouth with his right hand. Misao tried patting his back, her frantic eyes watching her grandfather worriedly. It was not a good sign.
After the attack passed, Aoshi noticed a red liquid oozing out from the man’s hand, along some thin trails of it from his lips. Tuberculosis, he presumed. And, from the looks of it, it was already in an advanced stage.
“Misao, prepare us some tea.”
“H-hai.” The young girl replied, rushing out the room within seconds, leaving the two men to stare at each other.
“I was waiting for you. Take her with you, my time is almost over.”
Aoshi watched him as he tried to sound strong, though his shaky voice betrayed him. His once strong body was already battered, not only for his devotion to the country but also because of age. Time doesn’t forget anyone.
“How’s Misao?”
“Don’t worry. I kept her away from me.” He replied, whilst another fit of coughs invaded his body.
“Father, I cannot leave you like this. Surely-“ he was interrupted by Misao’s steps nearing the room. Both men gazed at the shoji door and without any surprise, Misao opened it and entered with a tray of green tea.
She put the tray on the floor and bowed to them. One should never forget about one’s manners, even in such a distressful situation, she thought wrily.
“Misao, could you leave us for some moments?” Aoshi asked, making her lift her head and stare with wide eyes at her uncle.
“H-hai,” she whispered, the sound barely leaving her lips before she rose up and left the room. She stepped out from that place and reached the garden, the cool air refreshing her tense body. She sat on the bench near the main door and listened to the sweet melody the birds sang from the trees.
Lifting her head so she could stare at the dark fluffly velvet that was starting to cover the sky, she prayed to Kami that everything would end up just fine.
She closed her eyes as the first raindrops fell on her face, the cold liquid gracing her warm cheeks as if a gentle feathery kiss had been placed upon her skin.
Mother Nature was surely crying for her daughter.
* * * * * * * * *
Mama-san tried to contain her frown when she heard Enishi’s proposal. Sure, it was interesting the amount of money he was proprosing, but Megumi was still very young and, therefore, could still offer her a lot of money.
But, this was Enishi Yukishiro she was dealing with, and so, she ought to be careful. She watched as his dangerous eyes were focused on her face. He was truly a dangerous man, better not stay on his bad side, she thought bitterly.
What could she do? This was a huge dilemma : she certainly couldn’t deny him, but she still had many plans for Megumi if she were to stay under her care. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, an unlady-like manner, but she could not help it; she was nervous.
Breathing in and out slowly she closed her eyes and considered her options.
Time flew by; Enishi simply watched the woman with interest. This was so much fun, watching the other being act as if the end of the world were happening right and then. Always be the hunter, he thought, never the prey.
Mama-san pried her eyes open and stared at the man sitting in front of her. It was now or never. Do not doubt your choice, always stay firm on your decisions.
“It is a deal.”
* * * * * * * * *
Megumi watched leisurely the young girls learn how to write some new kanjis, their writing beautiful and perfect. It was always fascinating to see their beaming faces whenever they accomplished that hard task, for they did not have much time to practice their writing for most of their time was dedicated to developing their geisha skills.
She settled the new kimono she had won on the table. It was barely noon and the house needed tofu to prepare the lunch. Very well, she decided that it would not hurt her if she went to the centre of the city to buy it. It would actually be very good for her; she lacked exercise and some cool and refreshing air.
“I am going to the market. Does anybody want to come with me?” The girls turned their attention to her, but they kindly refused her proposal. They were having much fun improving their vocabulary and writing skills.
“Okay, I’ll see you later. Hana-chan, don’t forget to clean the living-room, okay?” The young girl nodded enthusiastically before returning to her paper. Megumi sighed.
She entered her quarters to get some money, and after placing it securely inside her obi, she left the house. The soil was still dry, though the dark clouds had already been threatening to spill water for some time now.
Swearing in annoyance for she had forgotten to get an umbrella, Megumi walked faster, her steps short and quick. Within some minutes, she arrived at a store. After requesting some tofu, and cursing some more for the price had risen, she paid the old woman with a delicate smile and left. The first raindrops fell on her face and she dried it with the back of her hand.
Her stomach growled with the lack of food and she could not help but giggle at the thought : the most famous geisha of Kyoto had her stomach rumbling in the middle of the road, probably getting the attention of all the passers-by.
The sweet sound of her laugh cleared the stiff aura that had been hanging around her, making her feel alive once again. Holding the basin full of water with some cubes of tofu inside it with more strength, she walked down the street with revigorated energy.
Maybe life was not that bad at all. She had Aoshi and he was saving money for her freedom. She had also been saving some as well, and surely, everything would be fine.
She grinned. Lifting her face, she felt the warmth that radiated from the sun touch her cool skin, softly and gently, just like her father’s had been.
She missed him so much...
Not only her father, of course. Her dear mother, her beloved brothers...All of them were lost to the time. Yet, they still lived in her heart, in her memories. They would never be dead until she stopped thinking and loving them. And these, she would never stop doing.
As soon as the sun had been glowing in the middle of the sky, clouds covered this shining golden orb, and Megumi hurried to get home. After lunch, she could take another relaxing ofuro bath and she would feel renewed.
After some musings, she spotted her home. Opening the wooden gate, she was about to knock on the door when she heard some voices speaking behind it. Mama-san and Enishi...Had they finished their talk?
It was rude to eavesdrop, she knew that. But, she was curious, and so, she leaned and pressed her ear on the thin layer, trying her best to discern the muffled words.
“...I am sure Megumi-chan will be delighted to hear the news. She will love to know that you’ve bought her contract.”
The basin fell from her limp hands, the water flowing down the dirty ground like a stream, taking with it the hopes of a young woman.
TBC