Autumn Dreams (Rurouni Kenshin fanfic)

[girlninja]

hey guys wanted to try and give this a whirl lol oh this is about a swordswomen integrate with Kenshin's story ^^
oh and this is my first story with a first person perspective, so bear with me ^^
***

"The trees shine so brightly in the moonlight, don't they Mitoshi?" Ren turned to me and smiled.

I nodded in agreement, placing my feet within the water, watching the moons rays dance along the surface. I smiled, blushing slightly. Why did I always have to blush on such occasions?

I looked up, feeling Ren's hand upon my own. He smiled, a twinkle in his eye, "Ooh," he rubbed my fingers playfully, "What rough hands a swordswoman has?"

I grinned, winking at him, "Yes well would you rather have a woman doing dainty wife things or someone who can protect your sorry rump?"

He laughed, and folded his arms around me, pulling me onto his lap. He looked once more at the moon. "I want this." He responded softly, "To be with the one I love and being able to forget about all of this foolish fighting."

My smile faded a little. I knew what he meant. I could feel the scars along his chest, he had just returned from a long battle. Although he didn't know much about what they were fighting for, his lord had promised that they would recieve land and freedom.

Freedom. I could taste that word and dreamt about it. I was born to a poor family of peasants, so I really was no more then a slave.

"Mitoshi," Ren spoke rubbing my cheek, "I know that you are a skilled swordswoman but you must promise me, you will not fight."

"But," I protested.

"No "but's" Mitoshi, " Ren turned me to face him, his eyes showing a glowing black, "promise me!" He shook me gently.

I looked into his eyes and nodded slowly, "I promise." I whispered quietly.

"Good," he smiled, pulling me against his chest once more, "that's good. I can't let my future wife get all scarred now can I?" He fingered my hair playfully, "what would the children think?"

I laughed, "That they had a tough mother, that's what!" He laughed as well.

Suddenly a whistle broke out. "The alarm!" Ren pushed me off of him gently, gripping my shoulders, "Go Mitoshi with the other women."

"But Ren," I shouted, cupping my hands as I watched his sillohuette form run towards the town. The cries grew more frequent.

"I love you Mitoshi!" Ren shouted, his katana already unsheathed.

The twinkling stars were blocked with smoke that night, as the Ishin patriots pillaged the cities. THe one named the Hitokiri Battosai had killed my love. I broke my promise that night and fought to defend the women against these monsters that issued in change and western ways.

I became a warrior that night, my hands were soaked with other's bloods, and i vowed to destroy this legendary mankiller, Hitokiri Battousai.

***

just let me know what you think ^^ it won't be so dark just kinda gives you a backdrop to the story ^_^

[true_noir_chloe]

You write really well. I don't know any of the characters, but I just had to comment that your writing is really good. ^__^

[girlninja]

*blush thankyou ^_^ that is an extreme compliment coming from you ^_^ i'm very flattered i will right more tonight ^^

[girlninja]

Years passed to the Era of the Meijii government take over... *i did this cuz i couldn't remember how many years passed for that time and i'm too lazy to look it up lol*

"Mitoshi!"

I felt a foot prod incessantly on my lower back. "Mitoshi, wake up!"

Again the same annoying foot kicking me, trying to pull me from my slumber and my memories.

"I'm up, Kote, i'm up!" I grumbled, swatting the foot away.

"Good, we have work to do and the Boss wants to see you," Kote kicked me once more before walking out and slamming the door.

I groaned. Seeing the boss meant a two things. Either you were being rewarded or you were being punished. I didn't think i would be getting the reward end of the preverbial stick either.

I stood grabbing my wazakashi. I unsheathed it, admired the sun's rays of the blade and rubbed it down quickly with my hakama pants. I placed it carefully in my kimono. Women, especiallyl myself, were forbidden to have weapons. Then again we were forbidden to read, practice our swordsmanship or any type of martial arts. We had no priveleges and were merely seen as "free" wenches.

I stretched. The horses beside me neighed anxiously. I cringed everytime that i saw them. Reduced to a stable woman, taking care of these creatures was my burden. However, I did have some fondness to one perticular mare called Okami, "Wolf" due to her attitude and mean spirit. For some reason, she and I formed a unique bond. At least she let me ride her.

After that night of my broken promise, the Ishin patriots quickly overran the town, taking the woman and making them slaves. Not better then the lords they had served. In one group, we served under a governemnt official name Hitoki Manatota. A young beaucraft with a meaner spirit then Nobunaga ever had.

Cruel with a whip to his men and crueler to his woman, Hitoki was a very difficult master to serve, say the least.

"Mitoshi!" came the same obnoxious yell from Kote.

"I"m coming...i'm coming!" I opened the stable doors and stepped into the midmorning sun.

[Lyren]

On the first part, the writing is very well done. It has some beautiful lines and really holds my attention. It is an excellent first-person dialogue. The second part looks good as well. However, I don't really understand exactly what is going on. Perhaps some added description and explanation might be good? There are also a few spelling and grammar mistakes in the second part that should be fixed (a few in the first post as well, but not as many). It looks like it could be really good, though. I look forward to reading more of this one.

[girlninja]

Well honestly your not supposed to know what's going on right now ^_^ but it shall reveal itself i promise and thankyou for the criticism i will make a note to double check my grammar mistakes next time ^_^ *bow hope you guys will read more ^^

[girlninja]

I stepped into the midmorning sun, shielding my eyes for a moemnt. I looked upon my home, beautiful if it wasn't for the many evils that often went on.

On the outside, the manor looked much like many other Western style homes. Beautiful with no harmony. The earth lost its meaning and instead it was all about pride and fancy.

I walked to my right, taking the cobblestone road that the Master had insisted on having. My katana was secure in my kimono, of that i felt better.

I saw the other girls eye me as i walked by, some showing sympathy, others simply not caring. That's what happened if you were here for to long, you simply stopped caring.

I, however, had a different mission in mind, so it wasn't difficult to stay alert. Besides, I had my training.

I noticed a new person here today, a girl named Megumi. She was one of the doctors that master had. She was beautiful but fierce in nature. She eyed me in regonition, I often helped her after Master went on one of his tirades. She looked at him in sympathy and i shook my head. Nothing could be done for me right now, I would handle it myself.

I enetered the manor and proceeded up the marble staircase towards master's room.

I knocked gently. "Enter Mitoshi," came the high pitched voice of the man. Master pushed up his glasses as i entered, eyeing me eagerly.

"Sit Mitoshi." I knew better, "I'd rather not my dear master, for that is your honor." The words were bitter within my mouth, however i said that politely and coyly. He smiled, nodding his head.

"Do you know why i wish to have you here, mitoshi?" I shook my head.

"I have a job for you?"

"Oh?" I raised my eyebrows, interested.

"You know Megumi runs my little ring, well your about to enter it."

I shook my head, getting his meaning, "I will not deliver opium for you, we have been over this."

"You have always been my strong willed girl, Mitoshi," he smiled unfazed, "However if you do not, I will kill you." He said it so easily that I almost missed it.

I smiled, "You wouldn't."

He chuckled, "Your right, but there are plenty of other people. Let's take Kote for instance.'

I stopped, frozen.

"Legato!" master called.

"No.." i whispered in shock.

[oro!]

Man, this is good. I know where we are! :jumps up and down: Why is it called autumn dreams, or is that a secret?
I like how you can put dread in the reader just by a sentence. "Let's take Ren for instance."

[girlninja]

Legato. It was a name we all feared, hated and admired. A swordsman who formed a rag tag group of fighters after the war, he was one that took on the outcasted. I had seen his combined style of Kempo and swordsmanship, it definetly was unique.
However much I admired the man, today i feared him and his very name filled me with dread for today, his name would be death.

Towards the side door, Legato emerged. Black hair, a solemn face and a long trenchcoat, he had Kote infront of him. Ren looked scared, his face white and pale.

"Kote..." I looked on, my face struggling to bear no emotion. I will not give him the edge, I promised myself.

Master smiled, his laughter cackling. "I see this has your attention."

I looked towards Ren, hoping he would understand, "I care not of you kill this brat."

Master smirked," Your bluffing. You would care very much indeed if I were to kill this boy."

I eyed Kote eagerly, hoping he would see my meaning. He nodded slightly. He knew that I could not sell opium both for honor and simple morality.

I looked at Legato, he too showed no emotion but I could tell he was interested. I stared him in the eyes, daring and pleading with him. He showed nothing, as cold as steel.

"I will not sell Opium for you, master," I spoke quietly and evenly, "The way of the warrior bounds me from such dealings and I will not be used as one of your pawns."

I grabbed my dagger from my kimono and charged towards master. I heard Kote's death cry but continued on anyway. Master looked wide-eyed in fear and I slashed.

Legato's blade met my own. I blocked his punch, diverted the it and tossed him slightly of balance only to recieve and elbow to the head.

I fell slightly but charged again, slashing and splitting master's coat. Legato kicked my knees out and held his blade to my throat.

I stopped, breathing heavy.

Master smirked, his face pale and sweat rolling down it, "Y-you see." He stammered, coughed and tried again, "You can't deafeat me." A kick to my face knocked me down for a moment. My eyes caught Kote's face, already dead.

I raised myself up again, it seemed much to master's surprise, perhaps even Legato. "I will keep the honoro of the warrior and will not be used."

Master laughed, his annoying pitch resounding off the walls. "Legato...kill her."

I waited in a state of existentialism, of unfeeling. Ren my love, I am sorry that I could not give your name the honor it deserved and that i couldn't avenge you from this Hitokiri.

[Photosoph]

Excellent work! I'm really enjoying this. ^_^ I suppose there are details I miss because I haven't watched the anime it's based off, but I can understand the main body of the story and I think you're writing it really well. A few minor spelling errors, but that's really all.

[Lyren]

Wow, the last bit had better description and more emotion than the earlier parts. I am really liking it so far. There are still a few grammar and spelling mistakes, but they are not extremely noticable. Overall, you have done a good job of expanding the side-plot of Kanryu Takeda's crime ring while still remaining pretty faithful to the atmosphere and plot of Rurouni Kenshin. There is still quite a bit of room for improvement. But as I said, it is getting better with each new part and is an intriguing story.

[girlninja]

awwwwwwwwww thankyou guys ^^ it makes me more excited to write when i know people are looking forward to it ^^ LOL ooooooooh that's what his name was...Takeda LOL couldn't remember for the life of me...lol thanks Lyren

***

Legato pressed the blade deeper. Suddenly, I grabbed my dagger, turned my head sideways and snuck undereath the blade to block it. I felt the dagger slice me but at least I wasn't dead.

I dropped and slid back underneath Legato's legs. He turned, smiling slightly, "Impressive."

"Kill her! Kill her!" Master shrieked. Legato turned to him, "Shut up." Master paled but continued to scream, "You work for me and I said kill her!" I didn't wait for them to continue, I got up and ran.

I ran outside, dodging people's glances and ran out into the forest. Tree after tree whirred by me in a green blur. Suddenly, I hit a chain, jerking me upwards and onto my back. "Ugh," I groaned, waiting for the bright spots to fade.

Legato stood over me, "Nice try, girl." I glared and rolled, getting up. I held my dagger, waiting for him to make his move.

He smirked and ran forward. I blocked his sword slash easily but missed the kick and fell to one knee. I pointed my dagger upwards, slashing his throat as he came down and kicked upwards as well, rolling back and standing once more.

Legato's eyes stayed cold and unmoving and he sheathed his tanto, "I have a proposition for you."

"I don't deal with mercenaries," I spat. He walked up closely, grabbing my hair and yanking me down. "Jerk!" I stabbed my dagger to his chest, he moved, catching the blade with two fingers and knocking it out of my hand with his knee to my wrist.

"I'm not a mercenary," he spoke into my ear quietly, "And my proposition is to join me. I'll tell your master that I killed you and you can join me against the Meiji government you hate so much, Mitoshi."

I stood as he released his grip, "How do you know my name?"

He smiled slightly, "I know who everyone is during the war. Besides, your name became known as the Lady Dragon, who slayed an entire group of Ishin patriots with a band of women."

I shook my head, "That was a long time ago."

He sat down on a rock, "You have my option or else I kill you. It is simple, really."

I smiled at him, "I guess I choose you then." This became my first step closer to revenging my love and killing the Hitokiri Battosai.

[Heart of Sword]

YOU WANNA KILL KENSHIN??????

*comes after you with a sakabatou*


(Good story. ^_^)

[Destroyer2000]

Yes, very good story.

[girlninja]

domo ^_^ *blush lol *EEKKK *NINja poofs away from Heart* But but i love kenshin really! lol

****

Legato kept me seperate from the rest of his group. In fact, I never met one of them. All i knew was that one was a large, oversized man who could breathe fire, another had this infactuation with cockroaches, there was a man who was just strange in all the ways you could think of, and one other who I can't bring to mind.

They regarded me wearily and never offered their names. Legato, I assumed, must have smoothed it over with Master. He never did come after me again and all I recieved was Legato's cold look when I asked about it.

Legato approached me as I sat by the riverbend, testing out my new clothes. They were standard ninjitsu outfits, tight-fitting to the body with light armor. I didn't care for them but he insisted.

I felt Legato's tanto press against my back. "What are you doing?" I calmly placed my hand upon my own blade. He let the blade slide up my back and to my necklace.

I went to move but he put his hand on my shoulder and the blade cut deeper to my neck as he lifted up and snapped the chain, sending teh pendant to the floor.

"You have no use for your religion here, Mitoshi," he let a smile dance ambigulously across his lips.

I stared at my cross that now lay mud covered on the floor. I leapt up, drawing my blade, "Don't touch my necklace!" I slashed at him, and he blocked with the tanto, using his feet to kick me in the knee.

"You need to be more aware of your opponents other options Mitoshi," he went to kick to the face and I smiled, anticipated and struck to the inside of the leg with my elbow. His eyes flashed in a second of pain.

"And you need to be aware not everyone is a third class fighter compared to you."

I leapt up and held my katana in a neutral stance. My eyes flashed excited and his cold eyes seemed to dance for a moment.

[Lyren]

I'm curious to see who the mystery group is. It sounds like the Oniwaban (sp?), but I don't think it can be.... there are a few contradictions if it is. Anyway, the only spelling errors I found that time were "ninjutsu", "the", "infatuated", and "ambiguously". There are still a few grammatical, stylistic, and punctuation errors. But again, it's a very good story and very enjoyable to read. I apologize if I am being bothersome. I like to give criticism (as a writer, I love receiving it) and this story just happens to catch my interest.

[girlninja]

well it is the Oniwaban and i'm sure there is some contradictions but you have to remember she doesn't really know the group because the character is isolated from them so it's natural to have a human error ^^ at least that was my thought *sigh yea i know grammatically and spelling wise there are some errors lol it's cuz it's usually 6 in the morning when im writing this and off the cuff lol but thankyou and i'm really glad you like it ^^

[girlninja]

"hmph," he chuckled. I lowered my sword for half a second, did that man actually laugh? "Perhaps your right, little one."

I glared, "Little one! I'm only a few years younger then you, Legato!" He chuckled once more and walked over, sheathing his tanto. I did the same, but kept my defensive posture.

He noticed, watching me a moment, "You are an interesting flower, Mitoshi, a Venus flytrap disguised as a cherry blossom. Interesting indeed."

I shook my head, "I have one objective and that is revenge."

He took his trenchcoat off, "You will have your chance to get back at your master."

"That's not who i wish to kill," i muttered.

"Oh the Battosai, that's right," he whistled to a nearby bird softly. THe bird twittered back happily, hopping down the branch.

"Your master's doctor ran away," he commented as he stroked the bird.

"Megumi finally escaped," I grabbed my cross from the mud, cleaning it and placing it carefully in my pocket.

"Yes...and we have a job to find her," he glance at me, "Your going to go, my group has failed once already."

I nodded, "Just tell me where and-"

"It seems," he cut me off, "That they were defeated by a single swordsman with red hair and a cross shaped scar on his left cheek."

I stopped, the world shattering around me, "What did you just say?"

"It seems," he played a subtle smile, "That it was the Hitokiri Battosai."

[girlninja]

^^ ok loyal readers ^_^ lol i haven't been writing up to par lately but *puts on a military hat* that shall cease now..mwhahhahahha and then i shall rule the world mwahahah *cough ahem well here's more ^^

***

The Hitokiri is still alive. I mulled that statement over my mind for the rest of the day. Legato said nothing as he left, only taking his trenchcoat and making his way back out of the forest. I sat in numbness until the sky started to darken and the stars made their way out.

The Hitokiri was here and what's more...I get to finally have my chance to avenge Ren. I couldn't believe the luck that I was getting.

I looked at my katana, "I shall become the Lady Dragon once more." I pulled the sword from it's sheath watching the blade glimmer in the moonlight.

"My dear Ren," i whispered softly, "I will never forget you." I closed my eyes, allowing my mind to drift back to that faithful night where my love and my dreams were taken from me, and only darkness followed.

I could no longer cry for him, too many years I had done that. No, now was the time for my strength to come through. I looked at the moon, my silent witness.

A crackle in the leaves drew my attention from my memories. I didn't turn, I knew who he was by now. "Is it time to move, Legato?"

"Yes," he answered.

I tied my katana to my waist and turned, smirking, "Very well. Please don't wait up."

He nodded, "Good luck." He handed me a scroll, which i opened and studied for a moment. I took off withouth a word to a place called the Kamiya dojo. *Sorry for bad spelling wasn't sure on that one and too lazy to look it up lol*

[Heart of Sword]

Looking good! ^_^

But but i love kenshin really!

OH NO, he's MINE...*looks at Oro!Girl7* ...ours, fine...(referring to Oro!Girl7)

[girlninja]

hopefully i keep improving i have instances when i write good *like when i'm upset usually go figure* and others when it's like blah so i'm trying ^^

***

I looked at the night sky. Yes, I thought, destiny is going to be fulfilled this night and the Lady Dragon shall return. I checked my katana for the tenth time since i had arrived outside the gates of the Kamiya dojo, thinking of a way to get in.

Ren, my love, i offer a prayer that i may be able to avenge you this day. I leapt over the gates in one swoop, landing lightly to the ground.

I quickly and silently ran towards the door. How am I going to find him, I pondered the map Legato had given me. I might be able to go through the kitchen.

Suddenly the door to the dojo opened and a man in the shadows stepped forward. I halted, placing my hand on my katana. He wore a cross shaped scar on his cheek, his eyes were enough to send normal men running. Wolf eyes, cold and unmoving. His red hair shimmered in the full moon's light.

"Are you the Hitokiri Battosai?" I clenched my teeth, drawing my katana.

"It is as you say, though that was a long time ago," his eyes looked sad for a second. I shook my head, don't get sympathy Mitoshi, he killed your love in cold blood and his people slayed your village.

"Draw your sword, Battosai,"

"Why do you wish to battle this one?" He stepped forward and I stared into his eyes.

THey did not shake me, he looked surprised and then he closed them slowly. "I see murder in your eyes, sad for someone so young."

"Don't be a hypocrite and now is not the time to judge me after your hands were stained with blood," I couldn't believe it, just saw you sword.

He nodded, "Very well." He drew it. I gasped, "A sakabatou *sorry sp lol*."

He nodded, shifting the blade, "It is my promise not to kill again." He stared at it and then back at me, "This one does not wish to fight you."

"You killed my love in cold blood, you will pay for it in your own blood this night," I gripped the handle tighter in my hands and prepared to make my move.

He shifted, standing casually. He doesn't know who he's messing with, I thought.

"Kenshin!" a girl's voice rang out in alarm as she too stepped through the dojo. Two other's quickly joined her. Kenshin held out his arm blocking her protectively.

"So I see you have someone you protect as well, perhaps if I kill her then you will know what the pain feels like."

His eyes grew colder then, "This one will not allow you to hurt Miss Kaoru or the others, we will fight as you wish." He walked forward. The blades glimmered in the moonlight, truly a glorious night for a battle.

[girlninja]

Mitoshi smiled. Finally they would settle this. She searched his eyes. So often warriors would battle there, able to determine and outcome before it came. She stared into them. He was strong, no doubt about it, but so was she.

"It seems," he didn't release his gaze as he spoke, "That you have gone through much, Miss."

"You know nothing of what I have been through!" I kept my rage in check. Rage made you stupid in battle, I reminded myself.

He smiled for a moment, his eyes closing as he took a deep breathe, "I know more then you quite realize."

I slashed my sword, "I have come to fight you, Battosai and get my revenge, not to chat."

He nodded, "Very well." He waited for the attack.

"Psh, and yet you keep your blade reversed, you must be a very confident fighter, Hitokiri," I chuckled and stood ready.

The girl Kaoru, I noticed, looked on. She looked unafraid yet concern filled her eyes. There was a young boy with spiky hair about half her side, holding a wooden Shinai glaring at me. And then a older man with a white jacket on and a red bandana. He just smirked.

"Seems you have made friends, Battosai, even though you are a murderer," I murmured, "Amazing."

I looked at the man-slayer, and i walked forward, "Let us begin."

[girlninja]

*bump* ^^

[oro!]

Looking good! ^_^


OH NO, he's MINE...*looks at Oro!Girl7* ...ours, fine...(referring to Oro!Girl7)

Yes; Rurouni Kenshin is ours. Don't forget, my friend.


So, is Mitoshi a Christian? If so, she has some forgiveness issues to work through.


Anyway, I am reallly enjoying this fanfic. It's cool to set up someone female opposite kenshin, while making a great story.

[girlninja]

OOC: man sorry i haven't written in a while...life has gotten in the way and yes MItoshi is a christian but she is in bitterness right now...so you just gotta read to find out what happens ^^

***

The Battosai shifted his stance. So he wants me to attack first, I smiled inwardly, not smart Battosai. You have grown overconfident.

I thew a dagger, which he deflected with his sword. Then I threw five more instantaneously, charged, and stepped as if I was going behind but shifted and gave a downward stroke.

He was gone. I blocked behind me and kicked back, hitting his chest and pushing him backwards.

Hitokiri's group gasped. "She's fast," they whispered. "Get him Kenshin!" the young one yelled.

I stood, adjusting myself and i noticed that the Battosai did not have a scratch on him, but he did have a torn hakama pants by the waist. "Seems you have a new name now, Battosai." I laughed, "It doesn't exactly strike terror into the hearts of your victims does it."

"Have you come to talk or fight?" He asked sternly. I stopped looking into his eyes. They were changed, different, colder. They were the eyes of a Hitokiri.

"Hmph, your right." I held my katana in one hand and pulled out a tanto in the other. He looked midly surprised but did not change his cold steel eyes. Yes, I thought, this is the Hitokiri I am ready to fight.

[girlninja]

I smiled and charged once more. He moved, almost invisible and i struck to my left, I felt a hit on my right side, sending me flying across the dirt floor.

I landed with a thud and got up, assessing my damage. One rib was definetly broken by the telltale signs of sharp pain each time i drew in a breath. "Your fast, Hitokiri, much faster then first inticipated but no matter," I stood, "because i'm just warming up."

He was shifted in a neutral stance, his sword in it's sheath. I've heard of this, i studied it, a legend that he is as fast as God when he strikes.

I charged, carefully watching his movements. At the last second of the charge he withdrew the blade, I deflected barely with my tanto, and hit him across his head with the hilt of my katana.

[girlninja]

He stumbled, grunting but recovered quickly, blocking another downward stroke and hitting me squarely in the jaw with his own hilt.

My jaw felt broken as I fell back, stunned. I felt it and then popped it into place. "Nice battosai," my words slightly mumbled.

He said nothing but held his sword. "Your move then?" he commented quietly. I charged once more, "This is for Ren!" I shifted, the dirt kicking up around me and then struck from below.

Our blades clanged together. How in the world did he block that? I saw his piercing gaze. He's not even sweating, i realized.

[girlninja]

*bump* ^^