Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Lay the Dead Down ❯ Stranger ( Prologue )

Disclaimer: I am SaintMe and I am FAR from sound mind. I do not claim to own the anime series, OAV, art works, or any such affiliates of "Rurouni Kenshin", and would recommend self committal if I were to ever propose such a ludicrous notion. Please, if I ever go THAT crazy, just beat me over the head with an excessively large stick.

Than you.

SM: Hidy-ho good neighbors!

TheBoy: Oh Gods…

SM: Here I am again, with a completely pointless fan fiction, written for my own sick, twisted amusement! ^_^ And by the Gods, ITS NOT A DBZ FIC! *gasp*

TheBoy: Who woulda ever though it possible that you would turn to another anime for enjoyment? Hell has surely frozen over.

SM: Don't I know it… Anyway, here's the run down on this little story of mine.

If any of you have ever read the book "Sabriel" by Garth Nix, you will understand the OC and her origins. Though I am not using Nix's character, I am using his character IDEA, duty, intentions and fate. The Nix character, Sabriel, is NOTHING like mine, though I still feel the need to explain that I am NOT stealing his ideas or copyrighted literature, though I am using the title, weaponry, and brilliant character mission. Don't worry, it will all make sense eventually.

Also, my OC is not entirely BASED on someone, though she was created with a certain person in mind. You know who you are *hug*

Secondly, I would like to say I'm sorry to any RK fans out there for a most definite screw up of story line. What I know of this series only comes from a month of watching it on Toonami (and they most certainly cut out crucial parts… damn censorship I tell ya!) and reading a little online. So if I end up butchering this wonderful story, you have my sincerest apologies. I'll try to be as accurate as possible, but I can't make any promises.

TheBoy: Damn.. Since when are you so formal? What happened to the silliness!?

SM: *smirk* Don't worry, I'm still my regular, pointlessly stupid self… Just tryin to be a LITTLE professional about this. I have high hopes for this story and I want to make it the best it can be.

Well, on with the show! - er.. Story… or something ^_^

WARNING: This fic is based off of anime and literature not belonging to me. May contain scenes of a violent nature. There will be bloodshed most certainly, possible character death, plenty of angst, darkness, lies, manipulation, pointless murder of innocents, sap, tears, heartbreak, vulgar language, poor attitudes, OOC, and just a little love if I can convince myself to throw that in as well.

May or may not contain lemon… all depends on how the story lays out I suppose.

You have been warned, so don't come crying to me when you find yourself locked in a padded room surrounded by the nice gentlemen in the white uniforms.

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Dust seemed to cover everything, sent about by a gentle, lingering breeze to cling to and taint frail paper walls of the closely placed homes and businesses. The weightless sand traveled up and down the worn walk ways of the Tokyo marketplace, signaling the start of a new day as it found comfortable places to settle; on clothing, merchant carts, against already sweating skin. If the dust wasn't bad enough, the early morning sunshine was, its incessant rays going above and beyond a simple warming. It seemed to cook everything it touched, including human flesh; a sure sign that midsummer had come.

Merchants of all shapes and sizes gathered in the wide expanse of dust and smell, setting up their booths and tables for another promising day of profit. Men grunted under heavy loads, stacking crates and bags, stopping only occasionally to wipe their brows of the dripping sweat that threatened to sting at their eyes. One man, setting up his booth of produce, stopped suddenly, his eyes fixed on the outskirts of the market, shielding his vision from the glaring sun. His neighbor stopped his work as well, curious as to what he was staring at. A shocked, almost astounded gasp escaped his lips.

Strolling up the road was a stranger, though this is not what surprised him. There were plenty of strange people coming and going in Tokyo. What amazed him was the garb this person wore. She, he could tell her gender now that she was in such close proximity, was covered from head to toe in thick, almost padded clothing of such he had never seen. A pair of heavy, round tipped leather boots kicked up the already lively dust with each step. Baggy, almost tented, black pants dragged on the ground behind her, clinging almost brazenly to narrow hips. A long sleeved, midnight blue tunic covered her top, strapped around her waist by a thick sword belt; the shirt covered in a dusting of embroidered silver keys. At her hip was a long sword, scabbard securely. Across her chest was a second belt, seven bell shaped pockets dangling from it. His eyes continued up to her face, and he against let out a small shocked sound. This woman was strangely beautiful, though obviously not from Japan. Creamy, almost placid skin, large eyes cast down, and a long main of loosely braided, chestnut brown hair laying over her shoulder, swaying with every slow step she took.

His eyes stayed glued to her form as she passed him, and the rest of the venders by. He looked at his neighbor with surprise and curiosity, though he could not seem to come up with any answers.

"Someone help her!" came a sudden, frightened scream from down the street. The merchant looked back to the woman, to see her on her knees, one hand flat against the ground in an attempt to keep herself upright. It was then he noticed the dark, crimson stain in her coat, clinging to her ribs. He ran to her side, leaning her back and brushing a few stray hairs away from her sweat soaked brow. Those large eyes looked up at him, glazed over in pain, the only sign that she was in any discomfort. He studied their dark brown depths, lightly tapping her cheek with his palm in attempts to keep her awake.

"Someone find Miss Megumi! She's fading!" he called to whomever would listen. Looking back down, he raised his brows in confusion for the woman was smiling. And with that, her eyes closed and she fell limp in his arms.

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"Is she going to be alright, Megumi-san?" the merchant asked nervously, twisting his cap in his hands, shuffling his feet. Takani Megumi smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"She will be fine. The blood loss was minimum, the wound not very deep. The heat caused her to faint more than that."

"When she wakes up, you will tell her I wish her the best?"

"Of course I will, and I'm sure she will be very grateful."

With another nervous smile, the little man left the clinic, leaving Megumi to her work. The black haired doctor slid open the door to her newest patient's room and slid inside as quietly at possible. Kneeling next to the slumbering form, she studied the strange woman's features. She had a fair face, though obviously worn from strife and battle. Small lines of worry creased near her eyes, and her lips were turned down in a natural pout. Leaning over, Megumi took hold of the long sword the woman had with her when she was brought it. Carefully, she slid it from its sheath, the metal making a small scraping sound as she did so. Carved into the blade were several strange marks, running from hilt to tip. She squinted a little and nearly pressed her nose to the blade; she could have sworn something on the blade seemed to move…

"Ara!" she squeaked as a slender hand snapped onto her wrist, and a large pair of chocolate brown eyes glared up at her.

"You shouldn't touch things that don't belong to you." the woman spoke in a soft, almost gravely voice. Megumi stared down at her, uncertain of what to say, or how to justify her actions. So, she decided to change the subject.

"Do you know where you are?" Megumi asked, lowering the sword and pressing her palm against the woman's forehead, to which she didn't resist.

"I am in Tokyo, Japan. In a clinic, I'm assuming."

"Mum. Where are you from?"

The woman closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh, but gave no answer. Megumi decided that it didn't really matter; not yet at least.

"What are you doing in Tokyo? You're not a permanent resident, I'm sure."

The woman chuckled and opened her eyes, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Is it that obvious?"

Megumi smiled down at her.

"Only a little. So..?"

"I'm looking for someone. Someone very, very important."

"Can you tell me who you're looking for? I know quite a few people here, perhaps I could help you."

The woman's face grew serious once more, her lips turning down and her brows furrowing.

"I have need to speak with Himura Kenshin."

Megumi's face fell and a peculiar, eerie feeling crept up her skin. Strange people looking for Kenshin never seemed to be a good thing, and her worry for her friend ten folded from what it usually was.

"You know him then?"

Megumi blinked, and forced a smile.

"No. But I will ask around if it will-"

"Lies do not become you Takani Megumi; not one little bit."

Ice ran up her spine at those words. How did this stranger know her name? How did she see through her façade? What did she want with Kenshin?

"I think that-"

"I need to see him. I know I cannot leave the clinic for at least a day. Just please, tell him I am looking for him." A sudden weariness crept into the woman's tone, and her eyes slid closed. Soon, her breathe became even and easy, and Megumi knew her strange patient had fallen asleep.

She stood on shaky feet and exited the room, her mind swimming. What was this woman's intentions? How did she know Sir Ken? She needed answers, and she knew exactly where to find them.

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"Miss Megumi? What are you doing here?" Kaoru asked, a little more than displeased to see the woman doctor as she strolled through the front gates of the dojo property.

"I have come to see Sir Ken, Miss Kaoru, that is unless you object." she spoke with her usual sly, underhanded tone that simply set Kaoru seething. The slighter woman growled, her cheeks flushing pink.

"I didn't think so." she answered, stepping past the angry woman and into the building in search of Kenshin. She found him in the back yard, in the midst of a playful tussle with Yahiko, the both of them sprawling across the dusty ground, laughing and smiling. Silently, she wished she had come with better tidings.

"Hi Miss Megumi!" Yahiko said happily, standing himself up and dusting off his gi as best he could.

"Good afternoon Yahiko, Kenshin."

"What brings you out here today, Miss Megumi?" Kenshin asked in his usual chipper greeting, though his face slowly fell when he saw the seriousness and worry in his friends eyes.

"Kenshin, may I speak with you in private?"

"Of course."

The Rurouni followed his friend inside the dojo, curiosity peaked, and a little worried himself. Once she had closed the door behind them, she explained everything that happened that morning, from the story the merchant had told her about the woman's arrival in town, to her own conversation with her.

"Do you know her, Kenshin?"

"I do not believe so, de gozaru. Perhaps she was a little delirious from her injuries-"

A narrowed glare informed Kenshin that Megumi did not appreciate his light heartedness about the situation, or the questioning of her medical abilities. He laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head.

"Did she tell you her name?"

"No. She fell asleep before I had a chance to ask her. I'm worried Kenshin. There's something strange about her. I think she might be dangerous."

Kenshin smiled again at his friend, hoping to put her worries to rest. Though she appreciated the gesture, Megumi didn't feel any better.

"I will go to see her after I have run my errands for Miss Kaoru."

Megumi nodded slowly, whispering her thanks and be careful's to her friend before leaving. She made her way quickly back to the clinic, hoping to retrieve more answers from the strange woman. Pushing open the room door as she had earlier, her heart fell and her breath caught in her throat.

The bed was empty, weapons and clothing gone. Sitting neatly on the blankets was a few small coins and a scribbled note of thanks. Megumi crushed the note in her hand and closed her eyes.

"Sugoi…"

Back at the Kamiya Kasshin dojo, a pair of dark chocolate eyes watched from the shadows, a slender hand resting casually on the hilt of her sword. The other slid carefully over the bandolier of carefully encased bells, mentally counting and naming them off in a reassuring way. She watched the pretty, young woman explain her teachings to a smaller boy, who listened intently and followed her every movement. Stepping out to join them was a man with long, red hair. She smiled silently, and her fingertips drummed noiselessly on the hilt of her sword.

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SM: *fingers steepled, looking intent* Now then, who could this stranger be? And how does she know Kenshin? Or Megumi for that matter? Ya really wanna know? Then be on the look out for the next chapter!

And please review… I can't get enough of your guys' opinions, whether they be good or bad. Tell me honestly what you think ^_^

Love ya!

Toodles.