[/Trigger warning: mentions of parental deaths, anxiety]
Backdated to 10 years after the car accident
Dear mom, dear dad.
It's been a decade since we've seen each other for the last time. The sound of your voices that tell me how much you love me, is slowly fading and I begin to forget the shape of your faces, the colour of your eyes, even when grandma always tell me how I have the same colouring and the warmth of your hands holding me close. I've lost the memory about your scent, the scent of home, and how your cooking tasted like love. I'm increasingly forgetting about the way your fingers elegantly danced over the keyboard of your beloved piano, mom, and I forgot about your strength, dad, when you lifted me up to give me a feel of how it would be if I was able to fly, until I found a old photo of you doing exactly that. With every day passing, I keep forgetting more about the short time with you and I am afraid. What if two decades pass and all that is left of you in my memory are dark shadows lingering in my mind out of guilt?
I am not willing to forget about you, but time tells me otherwise and it's scaring me. You are my loving parents, my family, my home. So why am I forgetting about every single detail that is keeping you alive in my memory? I know I am not the ideal son, causing chaos, and pain for my grandmother, but doesn't this make me the worst child, someone who is ungrateful to the very persons who gave him the gift of life?
I don't know anymore, wandering around aimlessly, headless, lost. I miss you. A lot. Every single day. Every single time I am achieving something or get scolded by grandmother. I miss you.
Sometimes I hear my schoolmates complaining about their parents, how unfair their decisions are and at times like these I am incredibly envying them. The years of me crying myself into sleep, while grandmother held me in her warm embrace, are long gone but even now, a decade later, I am still sitting at the edge of my bed, feeling the tears filling my eyes. But in the end, I can't shed another tear. What is wrong with me?
I'm trying my best to live on, to live true to my dreams, but it is hard having my parents not by my side watching you. When I get in trouble, I just lay on ground and look at the sky above, asking myself if you are watching me from there, and how there is nothing you could be proud of. I keep trying to not be a burden to grandma, to be the grandchild she wants me to become, but how can I be a good boy who is kind and gentle and friendly and smiley all the time, when there is this dark cliff inside my heart?
When I sing, can you hear me? When I scream at the heavens why they've taken my parents so earlier, can you hear me? When I cry with dried tears, can you hear me?
As I've did some tagging and mentioning a few months ago (and I am not very good with that, I apologize big time!) with my muses anniversary's I thought of a different way to celebrate #rkfifth. The suggestions of rkfanfic sounded like a lot of fun, so I decided to use some of the questions for a "quick" round of reminiscing in old memories of the years I am part of ROOKIES. In the following paragraphs I will be picking up old posts and anecdotes I might didn't shared so far, but before I do that, I would like to thank everyone who plotted and threaded with me until now. I know I am not very fast with replies, but I hope we can continue on having fun together and share love and peace in our beloved ROOKIES! And here I would like to give a special thanks to our wonderful Admod team who created this whole universe for everyone of us to relax and enjoy our big and little bonds together. Thank you a lot!!
QUESTION TIME:
What was the most memorable moment of your muse?
Rkkanggary/Rkgray: How he became the MVP in Taeyeon's team during MGA3 and reached the finals and even, when he didn't received a contract right away, I was really happy for him to get a contract offer from KT (despite being Gary at that time) after the KT & ROYAL Contest. Another really memorable moment involved a rknetizen: rknettissen. This was the first time for Gary to be recognized and I have to confess that I've read the few lines about him and his offbeat rap over and over again. Whoever is the typist of SSEUNNIE, bless your soul.
Rkkangjoon: Of course the most memorable moment of Kang Joon is a negative one so far, lol. It was the first day as ROYAL trainee, when he and his now ex-girlfriend Rose (@rkrose) were called to the office to be remembered about the dating-ban. Not the best way to start a musical career, I suppose. But oh, well, this played a big part of his character development. Positive memories were the positive family article in MGA3 (from which I never expected that Kang Joon would be mentioned at all) and the chance to Co-Host Royal Survival together with Baekhyun (@rkbyunbaek).
What did you never imagine your muse to do?
G: To have a crush on a OLDER man. Saranghae Huidong hyung :* (@rkhuidong). Long Life the old man ship ~. I never exptected him to climb on his neighbours balcony to get into his apartment (@rkyngsun), to get annoyed by a fellow trainee (@rksungho), to form a "colour line" with a sunbae (@rkxblue), to give his jacket to a stranger (@rkjinhwan94), to catch a thief for a stranger(@rksxngji), to find a dance rival with chocolate abs (@yubinrk), to have a snowman faceoff (@rkxminhee), to meet a female dj (@rkkaeun), to find a muse (@rkseolhyun), to fight over a cabbage for kimchi (@rksohee), to cry over The Lion King (@rkohsehun), to be a snail oppa to a supportive little sister (@rksoojung), to be attracted to a sunbae (@rkariel), to have a rapper buddy (@minhyukxrk).
KJ:To date a girl for only two weeks in summer (@sujirk), to let someone touch his dimples at the first meeting (@rksohee), to climb out of a broken elevator with his ex-girlfriend to get her to the job interview (@rkrose), to smack a female stranger's ass in public (@rkchungha & he should really stop do buttsmacks and gropes as greetings), to send a stranger a photo of himself halfnaked (@rkjimin), to vent on a female (@rkyena), to have a wingwoman (@rkcheri), to fancy PrettyLegWoman to the point he starts dating her (@hyunark), to brotect the broknae (@aronrk), to have a cute fangirl (@rksoohyun), to meet his first boyfriend at a swing (@rkseokwoo).
What do you wish your muse to do or take part in in the future?
G: Appear in a variety show like Running Man or a music show like Show me your money.
KJ: Acting in a drama like School 2013 or be in a variety show such as Roommate or We got married.
Most memorable event?
For both definitely MGA3!
Which muse do you think developed more?
As Gray is characterwise basically the same as before (just more deep and poetic), I would say it is Kang Joon who developed more. Brosquad did a great job to shape him from the character which was inspired from Cheese in the Trap to a real bro. Originally he was supposed a bit of a fuckboy and a player but with Rose’s help, the first real KJ ship I came across with in Rookies, he became a romantic and loyal and devoted to someone other than his squad members. At the same time the idea of a real angsty muse grew on me which turned out to be the recipe for me to get my muse running on rkkangjoon. Due to his unpredictability it was fun to explore difficult situations, and even when he have been through some sh*t (ic and ooc wise) I think it was important to go through every single moment for me to create the kind of muse he is today. Nonetheless Gary/Gray as well developed, though in a different way than Kang Joon. For him it is more like he received more depth to be true to himself. And he turned out to be exactly how I imagined him and how I love him.
Tell about a precious memory within your years in Rookies.
I always like to remember how the Brosquad began. At that time most muns were still using Aim and Jen (@yujurk) as well had introduced me to this app. As Jenn had left the rp with Jimin, the KangJi ship was done for which was why Kang Joon was a little down for a while. I am not sure how things escalated that fast but I do remember I began talking to Lyn (@rsxnn) when I met her through Jen, since she wanted a best buddy for Minsoo. Minsoo and Kang Joon became highschool buddies and the chemistry between them exploded. So Minsoo became Joon’s first bro, and soon after Lyn and Jen started to discuss ship partners for Kang Joon which was how I came to meet Clara (@rkwendy) as well (can you believe there was a time, when Jen wanted Wendy and Kang Joon end up together? XD). Somehow former Hyuna and Minju got thrown into the ship discussion as well and things got messy. Emily and Bora as well as Nana (@hyunark) and Elly got added in the female squad which let to the idea that Minsoo, Kang Joon and Gary needed another addition. At that time Maddie @aronrk) had Aron post a tweet in which he asked for #justiceforgary as he didn’t received a contract despite being a MGA3 finalist. This touched me so deeply because Kang Joon received a little more attention during the MGA3 and I was so happy to propose to ask Aron join the squad. As I am a great fan of Barney Stinson from HIMYM “The Brocode” soon became the male squad’s bible from which we derived the name Brosquad. And as the girls were like babysitters sometimes and had to give their VETOs about a whole list of activities they still have to do and try we named the girls the Antisquad. The original squad was born.
And even when the squad was mixed up after muns and muses left, this special bond with its new additions of Sammi (@rkxminhee) and Minhee and Clara’s Johnny as well as Roe's Yooa (@rkyooa) is my forever favorite relationship. Big shout out to all squad members, thank you for accepting and loving my guys. Thank you for giving me a place in Rookies, I love you all.
PS: Special shout out to Phani (@rkxjiyoon) (even when she won’t read this), thank you for willing to slow burn ship with KT’s ahjussi, even when he had Gary’s face back then.
PPS: As you can see, this whole squad thing originated from Jen’s magic to connect people. It’s all your fault! Without you, things would have turned out differently for my boys, especially for Kang Joon who wouldn’t have a loving noona who beat reason and rationality into him during Highschool. Thank you! ♡
Predictions and wishes for 2019
Since I am a mun of two males (another quick prediction for myself: I can’t hold back during my holdidays and apply for another rkthirdmuse with Kikwang) I of course wish to see more chances for boygroup debuts to occur. The only project which I do remember that could involve a possible boygroup would be KTrookies 2nd round… so who knows what the future holds.
Another wish of mine are shows solely for dancers and rappers, so we will have a bit more variety aside from the MGAs or other shows or contests that seemingly focus mainly on singers.
Favorite performance of your muse?
G: The first original song performance for the MGA3 auditions: Who are you living for? and the MVP stage I was talking about earlier: Angel feat. Coach Taeyeon, as well as one of my all time favorites: Pursuit the Happiness which he had performed during the Star-Bright-Casting for Sphere in 2015.
KJ: I have a soft spot for sad, fragile voices and piano music: Tame Me. Acapella Pop Medley Squad Power! Highlight was of course Kang Joon as Britney Spears ;)
Favorite quote?
G: "To forget… to heal… to live… that’s why I make music."
KJ: " Heroes, Aren't those
who withstand fire;
No,
They are the ones
who can burn down
and rise up,
strengthened by the ash."
Favorite graphics/ moodboard?
Of course this one here! And on each muse following:
G: Moodboard |x||x|
KJ: Moodboard |x|
Graphics |x| |x| |x| SHOUT OUT TO RAZEL@rkcheri
I just want to extend a heartfelt thanks to whoever nominated my story Persuade my Heart for a RK Fanfic award. Thanks for the nomination and I want to extend my early congratulations to all the winners.
My disappearance over the last year or so was entirely a function of my work and the projects I was on. I just finished writing/editing over 1000 pages of technical documents which basically killed any creative energy I had. Key word here though is finished! I've moved off that project now and I have a lot more free time which is better for me, my family and my sanity. It will be only a matter of time before I crack open my computer and untangle my Yokohama knot. I'm hoping sooner rather than later as I really want that complete note next to my story. I appreciate the notes and kudos left on my story letting me know that I have not been forgotten. Thanks again everyone and happy Ruroken Week!!! M
Shifting gears out of the hospital, to see Kaoru in her off time. Also, it’s my birthday, so I’m indulging in the OTP, hahahaha!
Prompt: Combat
Kaoru glanced through the glass pane in the door, and her heart almost stopped, when she noticed a new face. A strikingly familiar face. Dr. Himura was in a T-shirt and sweatpants, his red hair in a bun. Without his usual coat and reading glasses, he looked as if he could fit in with the other young adults.
“Yahiko, you said the new student was a classmate!” She hissed.
“No, I said I recently met him, and you assumed college. I have a job, my life isn’t just school and kendo!”
She dealt back his snappiness. “Well, I have a job too, and that’s how I know Dr. Himura.”
“Really? I thought you’re working for pediatric surgery later this year-ow!”
She had jabbed his shoulder, with two fingertips. “Look, I’ll explain later. Right now, you can lead practice with everyone else. I’ll be there in a second, so I can get Dr. Himura started on the basics.” She grabbed an extra shinai from the nearby supply closet.
“Fine.” He grumbled. “By the way, he said he used to practice martial arts, so he isn’t clueless.”
“Thanks, that’s good to know.” Still, she wondered why Dr. Himura was here tonight. He must have been on call, like she was, but she was curious about why he decided to join the gym’s biweekly kendo class. More specifically, the one that she taught. She instructed mostly children and teenagers, and Dr. Himura would have been a better fit for Maekawa-sensei’s class in the next room.
Regardless, he’s my student now. Hopefully, this won’t be awkward. She inhaled deeply and marched into the practice room, making a beeline for the redheaded surgeon. “Uh, hi there.”
He didn’t seem too surprised to see her, even smiling. “Good evening, Dr. Kamiya.”
He was genuinely nice, and the tension within her dissipated. “I didn’t know you were interested in kendo. Well, since you’re new, I’ll work with you one-on-one. Yahiko said that you already have some experience.” She handed him the shinai.
“This one did, but it’s been many years.”
“May I ask exactly what you did? It’d help in gauging your skill level.”
“A little of kempo for learning how to avoid hits, but this one’s expertise is in iaido.” He softly said. The art of drawing the sword and striking as quickly as possible.
“Oh.” She blinked. “Then, kendo might be a little more…subdued.”
“That’s alright. This one doesn’t move like he used to.”
She laid her shinai over her shoulders. “In that case, we have a full hour to get you loosened up. Let’s begin with the steps.” She demonstrated shuffling across the floorboards, before inviting him to copy her. He was a little awkward, swaying a little, and perhaps, gripping the shinai would improve his movement.
But he proved his earlier point. He was unwieldy with the bamboo sword, and after a couple minutes, she switched tactics. “How about this? We’ll put down the shinai and just focus on maneuvering. During sparring matches, you have to move with your opponent. We can practice going back and forth, to simulate that.”
“Ah, that could work.” He agreed.
“Okay, so remember your shuffling. Three, two, one.” She closed the distance between them, rolling her palms onto his shoulders so he’d be forced to take a step back.
“Oro!” He wasn’t prepared, and unfortunately, Kaoru realized that too late. Poor Dr. Himura went into a breakfall, sprawling in a comical heap. A few of the youngest students had witnessed it and began to laugh.
Kaoru was mortified, and helped him up. Her cheeks burned, as she brushed the dust off his shirt. “I’m so sorry! That was my fault.”
“Yeah, it definitely was.” Yahiko called out from the front of the room. She gave him a disgruntled expression.
“This one isn’t hurt.” Dr. Himura reassured her. “Please, let’s try again.”
Once more, she pressed forward to knock him off balance, but this time, he caught himself and recovered to move away. “That’s good.” She told him. “Now, do the same with me.”
He was quicker than she had anticipated, and she hurriedly shuffled in reverse. She concentrated on maintaining the distance, but he was looking ahead. Her back abruptly pressed against the wall and her hands splayed on either side of her. He stopped just short of colliding into her, his face a breath away from hers.
“Was that better?” His eyes were focused, and that light color was violet. Pretty.
Her mouth was suddenly dry. “Okay, that was fast enough, but you didn’t shuffle right at the end.”
“Oro!”
They continued to oppose each other’s movements, in a kind of restrained combat. A steady pace was set, five steps before switching off. He didn’t overdo it again, attending to correct shuffling, but her heart was still racing.
***
After practice ended, Kaoru emerged from the gym, and her attention was drawn to the glint of red hair under lamplight. She walked over to the bench, upon which the remaining student sat. “Oh, you’re still here, Dr. Himura?”
“This one had a phone call.” He said. “An update on a patient’s recovery status.”
“I see. But you might have missed the bus. The next one will be here in twenty minutes.”
“This one doesn’t mind. What about you, Dr. Kamiya?”
“I usually walk, it only takes five minutes. I can wait with you, if you’d like company.” She immediately wanted to pinch herself. Her habit was to always wait with the last student, to ensure they returned home safely. But Dr. Himura wasn’t a child.
“No, this one will be fine. However, can this one walk with you?”
“Sure. Did you like the class?” She asked, as they headed down the sidewalk.
“It was very enjoyable. How long have you been teaching?”
“Since I was in high school. I’ve practiced kendo all my life; Otou-san got me into it. Then, I enjoyed it enough to help others, and Yahiko was the first. Speaking of which, did he tell you about this class?”
“He mentioned it, while checking on a patient who had his appendix removed. This one thought that a kendo class would be interesting. Even more so, with you as the instructor.”
An embarrassed laugh escaped her. “Geez, flattery won’t win you anything.”
“This one was serious.” He innocently blinked. “This one has seen how diligently you work, and how passionate you are. This one thought you would be a good teacher, and was not disappointed.”
She tugged at her jacket, even though she felt warm. “Still, I really appreciate that you want to learn, Dr. Himura.”
“The formality isn’t necessary in class. Outside of the hospital, this one is the student, Kenshin.”
“Then, you have to call me Kaoru; everyone else does.”
“That would be disrespectful. Would ‘Kaoru-dono’ be a good compromise?”
“It’s old-fashioned, but I don’t mind.” She stopped, for they were a block away from her house. “Well, I can manage from here. Take care, on your way home.”
“Yes, you too, Kaoru-dono.” He lifted his hand, to wave goodbye. “This one will see you tomorrow.”
“See you.” She waved in return. “Kenshin.”
He smiled, and her mouth was dry again. Next time, she had to force the shinai into his hands.
Relating Megumi’s past to the opioid epidemic is too good to pass up. (Okay, not good good, but you know what I mean.)
Prompt: Deception
Megumi was fooling everyone. She had told her coworkers that current events had dissuaded her from opioid prescriptions. They probably thought she was kind, for limiting painkiller use and preventing addiction. Really, it was far from the truth.
She was part of the crisis, after all.
For years, she had tried to push the experience out of her thoughts, but it came rushing back when she glanced at the news on her laptop. The first thing that came up was a picture of Kanryuu’s face. She flinched, and almost dropped her toast in her mug.
The headlines stated that it was the first day of his trial, for the unethical study he had performed.
Finally, the courts are doing something. She bitterly thought as she finished her breakfast. It’s long overdue.
She should have been relieved, and she was. She was. The jitters on her way to the hospital? Entirely due to coffee.
***
That afternoon, after seeing most of her patients, Megumi strolled into the workspace. Makimachi and Kamiya were the only ones there. They seemed to get along well; they were practically the same age.
“Oh, so you and Dr. Shinomori are from Kyoto?”
“Yup, we even lived in the same neighborhood! He’s always been Aoshi-sama to me.”
“You’re close, huh? Is he in surgery now, like Dr. Himura?”
“Not today. He’s testifying in court, for Dr. Takeda’s trial. Something about drugs?”
Kamiya’s ponytail swayed as she shook her head. “Painkillers, I think. I’m not sure though, since this was more than a few years ago. Er, Dr. Takani? Can you fill us in?”
Oh, she certainly could. “I’d love to share my wisdom, but you know, there’s a thing called the Internet.”
Makimachi was clicking her mouse rapidly, and she pouted. “All the articles are just talking about how he escaped in America, and how we had to settle the extradition process with their government. Gosh, that state was really pushy about wanting to try him there…”
“He’s a prime exhibit in what not to do as a doctor.” Her tone was careless, despite how lightheaded she felt. “He conducted a study that was supposed to examine the efficacy of a new opioid medication. Instead, he was collecting information about the speed and extent of addiction. There was no regard for the patients whatsoever.”
Kamiya had been listening intently, but Makimachi had resumed hunting for articles.
“Ah, I found a good one!” To Megumi’s dread, she began to read aloud. “‘Dr. Takeda purposely overprescribed Arantelam, which was a product of the company-”
“I’m going to the bathroom.” She excused herself, quickly standing. But the lightheadedness got the better of her, and her knees buckled.
“Are you alright?” Kamiya rushed over to help, at the same time Makimachi finished her sentence.
“Takani Pharmaceuticals.”
Megumi batted away Kamiya’s hands. She and Makimachi were both looking at her, clear shock on their faces. Tense silence filled the air.
“Is it a coincidence?” Makimachi ventured at last.
“No, it’s not. It was my family’s company, but we were going bankrupt. Dr. Takeda was the only one who was willing to try Arantelam in the clinic. My brothers were overseas, my father was dying of cancer, and my mother was taking care of him. I was handling the company. I was young and stupid, and pushed my luck.”
If she had known, she would have slammed the door into Kanryuu’s glasses. But she hadn’t, and she had welcomed a devil.
Kamiya bit her lip. “You must have been a medical student at the time. Did he trick you, into thinking his study was harmless?”
“I found out, early on. But I had already assisted him in prescribing, and he said I was complicit. If I didn’t want to ruin my future as a doctor, I wouldn’t say a word.” She mimicked his voice and scoffed. “I didn’t waste my time though. Just as I didn’t notice how he deceived me, he didn’t realize I left a trail of evidence leading back to him. Of course, that was the end of Takani Pharmaceuticals, but I stopped him from causing more deaths. I was ruled free of guilt, and I managed to find my way here.”
“Aoshi-sama probably knew who you were.” Makimachi quietly said.
“The other three already did, ever since I was hired. It was quite the story, although there were less staff then. You two should have been unaware, and maybe it was better if it stayed that way.” She stopped, when Kamiya suddenly stepped forward.
“We don’t work together and we’re not friends, but what you did doesn’t matter.” Kamiya squared her shoulders. “That’s in the past. You’re working to help patients now.”
Her words were similar to Ken-san’s, when she was first hired. But the pediatric surgeon had his own regrets, and this resident, Director Kamiya’s daughter, couldn’t relate. “That’s a nice sentiment, but if you were my colleague, would you trust me with your patients?”
“I would.” She retorted. “Because I’d be trusting Dr. Takani, not the student from eight years ago.”
Megumi blinked, startled.
“I’d trust both of you.” Makimachi spoke up. “So long as you believe me when I provide lab results. Seriously, some of these people don’t have any faith in the Aoi Lab.”
The tension dissolved, and Kamiya laughed. “Sometimes, the results can be hard to believe.”
Megumi slowly relaxed. “I actually did catch an error; there was one result sent to the wrong division.”
The youngest girl’s jaw dropped. “What?! Well, it wasn’t me.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Hey, fox, making friends?” Sagara’s voice made her turn towards the door, to his grinning expression.
“We were talking.” She evaded and reached for her purse. She counted out change from her wallet. “In fact, our throats are dry. Here, rooster-head, you can go and buy us drinks.”
“Get them yourself.”
“There are enough coins for whatever you want. My treat.”
“Really? In that case, I’ll be back.” He dashed off.
“He’s so easy to convince.” She tsked, but Kamiya and Makimachi were giggling. It was contagious, and soon, she allowed herself to smile.
Perhaps, she had found a place, where she didn’t need to deceive everyone.
Note: Arantelam is derived from ‘aranea ad telam’, which Google said is ‘the spider web’ in Latin. I figured that it’d be good for an over-the-counter name for a drug and a tie-in to the Spider’s Web opium in canon.
The funny thing is, during one of my tests since the last update, there was a question that said “How would you theoretically rebuild an entire arm?” and in my head, I almost heard Koshijiro say “Yes, how would you?”. He desperately would have liked to know, for the events in this chapter. This is a gift, because it’s my birthday, and I’ve got new followers! Also, @animaniacal and @tinklefish have their birthdays this week and I know how much they like Koshijiro.
Chapter 4: An Indigo Ribbon
When Koshijiro was a boy in Chiba, there had been a stray dog in the neighborhood. It was especially good at wheedling for scraps, pestering the poor target’s legs until it got what it wanted. Zanza, or rather Sagara now that he had given up fighting for hire, was like that dog. For almost every day now, he lingered around the dojo and sat down with them at lunch.
“Terrible.” He said, in between loud chews. “This is just terrible. Jou-chan, you should work at your cooking instead of teaching.”
Kaoru had grilled fish today, to give Himura a break. She had done her best, and that was enough for Koshijiro to eat. His cooking was worse, anyway. He quietly picked through the white flesh with his chopsticks, and Yahiko gnawed at his portion. But Kaoru was grinding her teeth in irritation.
“Hey, Kenshin.” Sagara looked for support. “How can you stand this?”
“It is not that bad. It tastes differently every time.”
“Well, if you don’t like it, then don’t eat!” Kaoru snapped, throwing a large radish in their direction. “Freeloaders shouldn’t complain anyway!”
Sagara ducked. “I quit fighting, so I’m not making money. Have a heart, Jou-chan.”
Meanwhile, the vegetable had glanced off Himura’s head, and the man groaned. “Oro…”
But before the argument could go any further, they were interrupted, as a familiar figure stepped past the gate. “Forgive the intrusion during your meal, but this is urgent.”
“It’s fine, Chief.” Koshijiro set down his bowl and stood, ignoring everyone’s wide eyes. “Is it about that case?”
The man grimly nodded. “I’m afraid it is, and we require Himura-san’s assistance.”
***
Shortly after the Hiruma brothers were transported to prison, the police chief had summoned Koshijiro. “I did think on what you said, so I’ve been editing the current rules. I’m going to be more active in overseeing the men, and I changed the patrol routes to increase efficiency. And if it’s no trouble, I’d like you to train the less experienced officers. You can keep them in line, give them tasks they can’t refuse, and deliver consequences as you see fit.” He handed over a roster of fifteen names. “You can take time to think it over.”
“I won’t need it; I accept. I’m grateful to be more involved.”
“No, thank you, Kamiya-san. I’ll adjust your pay, of course. Especially since…” He cleared his throat. “I heard that the Ishin Shishi soldier, Himura Kenshin, is living with you and your daughter.”
Koshijiro blinked in surprise. “That’s true, he is boarding with us. Who did you hear this from?”
“During that incident with the Satsuma policemen, Yamagata-san visited and spoke to Himura-san. It was not long after you returned to Tokyo.”
“Yamagata…Aritomo?” The general of the Kiheitai, the Emperor’s army? Suddenly, Koshijiro recalled the mustached man, walking into the police station when he rejoined the department. “I suppose he knew Himura-san from the Bakumatsu.”
The chief nodded. “Yes, it seemed that way. Are you aware of Himura-san’s work?”
“…yes.”
“Then, you may understand why I’m interested.” He slid over a folder, opening the contents. “There’s a man who poses a great danger to our officials. Internally, we’ve been referring to him as Kurogasa.”
Koshijiro skimmed through the papers. The number of casualties was strikingly high, and the targets appeared to be politicians who were formerly Ishin Shishi. The most recent case was in Shizuoka, almost two months prior. Even the infantry were unable to stand a chance. “And you think Himura-san can defeat this killer?”
“I am seriously considering it. If we need him, I will let you know.”
***
Now, the police chief sat opposite Himura and informed him of the case. Koshijiro was aware of the details, of how grown men were paralyzed before this serial killer. It seemed unbelievable to read, but the many interviews of the wounded could not be ignored. Koshijiro had wondered if it was some sort of chemical gas, but Himura thought differently.
“That sounds like the Shin no Ippou, of the Nikaidou Heihou style.” He mused. “After the war, someone could have easily lost his way and became drawn to bloodshed. But to remain so, after ten long years…” He trailed off, choosing to drink his tea.
“Kenshin?” Kaoru gently asked. “Are you alright?”
He lifted his head slowly, as if he had just woken up, and he gave her a smile. “Yes, this one is fine.” He then turned to the police chief. “What would you have this one do?”
“If you are able, I would like you to take him down.”
“This one has taken a vow to not kill his opponents.” Himura informed him.
“Even if you cannot, getting him into custody will be enough.” The chief drew a piece of paper from his pocket, and hurriedly scribbled. “Tonight, Tani Juusanrou of the War Ministry will be in Tokyo. He’s already received a death threat from Kurogasa, so we need more people to protect him. Even if you are an outsider, this would be a good opportunity to face this killer, once and for all. Here are the details. I hope to see you tonight, and Kamiya-san, we’ll meet again at work.” The chief handed over the note, bowed deeply, and departed.
The mood was decidedly somber for the rest of the day. Sagara left to wherever his latest whim took him, while Kaoru continued to teach Yahiko. With his work finished, Koshijiro sat against the wall of the dojo and watched them practice one of the basic kata. The boy was progressing rapidly; if he was in a class, he would easily rank among the top five students.
“By the way, where’s Kenshin?” Yahiko asked.
Kaoru noted that he should mind his steps, before replying. “He mentioned that he was taking a walk. He’ll be back before dinner.”
“I hope so. We’ll probably die, if you cook again, ugly…ow!”
She had tapped his shoulder with her shinai, and she sweetly admonished him. “You have to concentrate, Yahiko-chan.”
“And demonstrate proper respect for your teacher. I heard you insult her once before, but twice is more than enough.” Koshijiro was irked, and he struggled to stand to his full height. Last time, he had entered the conversation too late, and Yahiko was injured. Now, there were no excuses left.
Yahiko did have some remaining self-preservation, because he gulped. “Er, I’m sorry?”
“I’m not the one you should apologize to.”
He pivoted to Kaoru and managed to sound contrite. “I’m sorry.”
“Geez, you listen to Otou-san, but not to me.” She ruffled his hair, ignoring how he grumbled. “Well, he’s better at disciplining, but we’re stuck with each other. Let’s practice the kata one more time, okay?”
About halfway through the kata, Himura returned. He was quieter than usual, and Koshijiro had intended to leave him alone. However, the man suddenly spoke, his gaze on the wall. “The sword that protects life. What made you think of the idea, Kamiya-dono?”
“It took some time to develop the concept.” He admitted. “Strength has value, but only when there is a reason for it. Take Kurogasa, for example. He may have been skilled once, but now, he is irrational and cruel. As for me, I grew tired of fighting, just to hold on to what I held dear. But this world is still violent, so I cannot lay down my sword. And yet, I have faith in this era, which promises peace without bloodshed. So, Kamiya Kasshin is a compromise, to channel necessary strength and remember why we fight. ‘The sword that protects life’ is a motto for the present and a wish for the future. But you would have heard Kaoru’s interpretation, so why do you ask?”
“This one is only curious.” He innocently blinked, but his tone grew serious. “Then, if a person had to kill to protect others, what is Kamiya Kasshin’s solution?”
“That is the flaw in my logic.” Koshijiro grimaced. “As a soldier and as a police officer, I had to think of the greater good. I cannot give you an answer, and for that, I am sorry.”
“No, it’s alright.” Himura paused. “This one has idled long enough, so this one will prepare dinner.”
After the sun dipped just below the horizon, they ate their meal in silence. At length, Yahiko asked. “Are you going, Kenshin?”
“Yes, it is best to help out the police. And this one is acquainted with Tani-dono. With luck, he may remember this one.”
Kaoru’s forehead creased with worry, and then out of irritation when they heard Sagara’s holler from the gate. She stood with a scowl. “Geez, he might as well live here.”
However, the former fighter’s rowdy presence lightened the atmosphere. He shared stories about the friends he played dice with, and although they bordered on inappropriate, the distraction was welcome. At last, the police carriage arrived and they saw Himura off.
“If it truly is the Shin no Ippou, this may prove to be difficult.”
“You mentioned that earlier. Do you know who this Kurogasa is?” Koshijiro inquired.
“Perhaps, but that was only a rumor.” He answered. “Regardless, this one will find out tonight.”
“Me too.” Sagara stepped forward, clapping Himura’s back. “This is too interesting to miss, so I’m tagging along.”
“Good night.” Yahiko yawned; it was about his bedtime.
Kaoru stepped forward. “I’ll have the bath ready, when you return.”
“Thank you, Kaoru-dono.” Himura looked to her, before smiling at everyone. “We’ll see you all in the morning.” Then, he and Sagara walked into the darkness.
***
Koshijiro woke, in a cold sweat. It took him a few seconds, to realize that he only had a dream. A nightmare. In Satsuma, his feverish mind had conjured scenes of how his life could have ended. A grenade landing at his feet. A sword running through his flesh. A gun barrel pressed to his temple. And the aftermath of bleeding into the ground and thinking that he did not want to die. This time, it was of the explosion, if he had been standing more to the left. As he forced his breathing to slow down, silence rang in his ears.
Since he had returned home, his sleep had been empty of any memories of the battlefield. It seemed that was only temporary. He slid out of his futon, intending to walk off the agitation. He used to practice in the dojo, but with only one arm, he could not properly hold a shinai. Instead, he settled in his usual spot on the porch. The wind was cold, but that meant it was real.
“Otou-san? You’re awake?” Kaoru’s voice floated over, and he looked behind him, to see her rubbing her eyes.
He decided not to tell her about his nightmare; she would only be concerned. “If there’s a killer on the loose, someone has to protect the house.”
“We’re not that important to be targeted by a serial killer.” She countered, moving to sit beside him. “But I couldn’t sleep either. I don’t know why, I shouldn’t be worried. Kenshin can handle himself, and Sanosuke is with him.”
“Yes, that is true.”
For a while, there was only the sound of the wind.
“The moon’s full.” She commented. “Once, I saw Okaa-san sitting out here with you, on a night like this.”
“Ah, that was when she wanted to see the cherry blossoms in the moonlight. You remember something like that?”
“Mm-hmm. Because Okaa-san’s face was so happy.”
“Your mother always was, over little things like buying ribbons for you.”
“And she liked tying them for me. She liked indigo best; it’s why that one’s my favorite.” She yawned again.
“You should go back to sleep.” He gruffly said.
“Yeah, I will. I have to get up early, so I can fill the bathtub. Good night.”
After some time, he returned to his room. He did fall asleep again, but this time, he envisioned Kyoko, smiling over a cradle and saying how an indigo ribbon was so charming.
***
The next morning, Koshijiro noticed that Himura and Sagara had not returned. Breakfast was on the table, most likely because of his daughter. She wasn’t there though, and he glanced outside. Kaoru had dozed off on the porch, her mouth slack. With a fond smile, Koshijiro fetched a blanket to cover her.
He ate breakfast with Yahiko, who had noticed his sleeping instructor. “I should wake her up with cold water.”
“Leave her be. You can practice on your own for the morning.”
The boy perked up. “Okay!”
Then, Koshijiro started on his paperwork. He was a quarter of the way through, when he heard voices.
“I don’t think she slept at all, last night.” Yahiko was saying.
“Oh, yeah? Hey, Jou-chan, wake up. Wake up!”
Koshijiro walked out to see his daughter whacking the two boys with her shinai. She was not amused and ground out. “Welcome back. Huh? Where’s Kenshin?”
“He’s not coming back.” Sagara said. “This time, Kurogasa, or rather Jin-e, is after him. He didn’t want to put everyone else in danger, so he’s not coming back for a while. He wants me to look out for you.”
“But where did he go?” Kaoru pleaded.
“The riverbank, I guess. Hey, where are you going?”
She was headed for the gate. “I’m looking for Kenshin!”
“Well, that’s dumb. Look, I got injured because of Jin-e!” He pointed to his right arm, which was in a sling. “If you just wait here, it’ll be better that way.”
Kaoru spun around, tears welling in her gaze. “So after he fights Jin-e, is he going to wander again? And we’ll never see him again, just like that?” Her fists clenched, and she swallowed. “Okaa-san is dead, and Otou-san was almost taken from me too. Most of the students quit, and Kihei turned out to be a traitor. If that’s how it is, I’d rather meet the danger face to face!”
“Kaoru, you should stay here.” Koshijiro spoke up, feeling alarmed. “You’re behaving recklessly.” And if Himura wanted to leave for good, no one had the right to stop him. But he refrained from saying that; it would only make his daughter angrier and the best option was to calm her down.
Sagara’s interjection shattered that plan. “You’ll only get in Kenshin’s way.”
She crossed her arms. “I won’t be there for long. It’s not as if he’ll be busy, he’s definitely not fishing at the river.”
“What does fishing have to do with any of this?” Yahiko complained, but Koshijiro stiffened. That jab was meant for him.
Unfortunately, Sagara also noticed. “Oh, I get it. You have a story to tell us, old man?”
“Otou-san, you can tell them. I’ll be back!” And with that, she ran past the gate, her indigo ribbon flying.
“There’s nothing to say about that.” Koshijiro evaded. Well, if his daughter tired herself out, she would come home.
“Aw, come on, it’s obviously juicy.” Sagara was reluctant to let it go, but he jerked his head in the direction of the gate. “Jou-chan’s selfish, she can’t stand being separated from Kenshin. Oh, well, that’s how love is, so there’s nothing you can do.”
“You should not draw conclusions, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart.” Still, Koshijiro was disgruntled. He grudgingly knew that Kaoru was infatuated with Himura, ever since that attempted punch during the first meeting. But hearing someone else call it love didn’t settle right with him. Kaoru was still young, after all.
“Sure, old man.” He scoffed and turned to Yahiko. “You don’t mind being left alone?”
“No, Kenshin’s the strongest in Japan, so why worry?”
“Good point. Well, Jou-chan will probably bring him back. I’ll take that bath and then a nap.” He gave a jaunty wave with his good hand. “Wake me up for lunch.”
Yahiko did so, when the hour came. Koshijiro sat with them, eyeing the clock. Kaoru had not returned yet. What if she was still looking for Himura? Or worse, what if she had found him and they were alone?
Himura had better behave. Koshijiro’s chopsticks clicked together in his irritation, and he ate faster. Maybe, I’ll go to the riverbank myself.
However, that proved to be unnecessary. After the dishes were cleared, Himura shuffled past the gate, his bangs hiding his eyes.
“Kenshin!” Yahiko called out, running to greet him. Sagara followed suit, with Koshijiro behind.
“Aren’t you supposed to be waiting at the river, for Jin-e?” Sagara raised his eyebrows.
“Jin-e has kidnapped Kaoru-dono.”
“What?!” There was an echo, and then silence. Koshijiro had raised his voice. Sagara and Yahiko had flinched, but Himura didn’t react, his head lowered in submission. Koshijiro counted to three, before quietly ordering. “Himura-san, explain what happened this instant.”
“Kaoru-dono met this one at the river. She gave this one her ribbon, and then…” He clenched the indigo cloth in his hand, and Koshijiro’s eyes were helplessly drawn to his daughter’s possession. Then, Himura looked up. His expression was intimidating, as it had been before fighting Sagara, but this was more severe. It was as if cold fire burned in his gaze. “It was my fault. Jin-e wants to meet at midnight. I’m going to the forest, do not follow me. In return, I promise that I will bring her back.”
“You must bring her back.” Koshijiro corrected, and he forced himself to add. “Then, I have no choice but to count on you.”
Himura nodded.
***
I’m sorry, I should have stopped her. Koshijiro thought, as if that made any difference. He sat before Kyoko’s portrait, gripping his knee. As the day passed, he had only grown more anxious. Even though Himura would battle Jin-e at midnight, that caused more agony for the ones who were waiting.
Yahiko had repeated. “Kenshin’s the strongest, so he’ll save her.” Sagara had paced back and forth, before taking off somewhere.
And Koshijiro knelt at the altar, praying that his daughter was safe. Kyoko would not have forgiven him for putting their daughter in danger. He didn’t expect to forgive himself either. Jin-e was a serial killer who paralyzed his enemies to death. What if he decided Kaoru was no longer useful as a hostage? If only he had both of his arms, he could have gone with Himura. But he didn’t, and he had to trust that Himura would win. He would most likely kill Jin-e, yet Koshijiro could not bring himself to protest the idea.
If it is a last resort, it is justifiable. Is that a betrayal of Kamiya Kasshin? It would be, but Kaoru’s life is more important than the school. I suppose, I truly was not fit to answer Himura’s question of killing to protect people.
His thoughts were interrupted by Sagara’s return. He was slightly out of breath; he must have ran. “Still waiting, huh. I’m curious, who’s that picture of?”
“Kaoru’s mother.”
“Jou-chan takes after her, huh?”
“Yes, she does.”
“…Kenshin will get her back. Don’t worry, old man.” He sounded as if he was trying to convince himself. “So long as Jin-e doesn’t use his mind trick again.”
“And what is that, exactly?” He tightly asked.
Sagara stepped back. “Uh, it’s not that big of a deal. Just felt like I couldn’t breathe for a second, but I snapped out of it. A strong will is enough, apparently.”
“I see.” That was probably the Shin no Ippou, that Himura had mentioned. Koshijiro furrowed his brow. “Are you implying Kaoru does not have a strong will?”
“Whoa, hang on, old man.” He suddenly looked sweaty. “It’s just that, well, out of all the people last night, only Kenshin and I broke out of the Shin no Ippou. Even the policemen couldn’t manage it.”
“I believe you. But she had the will to stay here, while I was gone. She didn’t complain, no matter how lonely she must have been.” Ah. He wanted to groan. Over and over, his daughter had been left behind, to be alone. And for once, she had declared that she could no longer stand it. “And so, she went after Himura.”
“There you go.” Sagara said. “Anyway, I’m beat, so I’m taking the spare room.”
Then, it was quiet until Yahiko popped his head in. “I can’t stay up until midnight. Tell me when they get back, Kamiya-san.”
“You should rest. You’ve had a long day.”
“Yeah, so should you. Kenshin’s strong enough to defeat Jin-e. And Kaoru isn’t much of a girl, but she’s stubborn so that’s something.”
“She might not appreciate hearing that.”
“Whatever.” The boy shrugged. “Good night.”
The remaining hours were a blur. Koshijiro could not sleep, and restlessness took him to the porch again. He dozed in fits, waking frequently. Before he knew it, the sun was rising, and with it, two silhouettes passed the gate.
“Otou-san, we’re home!”
He exhaled, and his joints protested as he stood. “Welcome home.” Himura’s shoulder was bloody, but Kaoru was unharmed. “Thank you, Himura-san.”
He smiled. “This one only kept his promise.” They entered the house, and Sagara and Yahiko were barely awake. They were attempting to make breakfast, and the fish was burning.
“Geez, you two are making trouble per usual.” Kaoru rolled up her sleeves. “Look, here’s how it’s done.”
“Oh, you’re back.” Yahiko muttered, but there was a note of relief in his voice.
Sagara gave a lopsided grin. “Glad you’re back.”
“Yeah, I’m glad. But you two got some sleep, so keep cooking.” She instructed them, as if she had only been away at a friend’s and not kidnapped.
“She doesn’t seem troubled by what happened.” Koshijiro noticed. “What became of Jin-e?”
“He killed himself.” Himura quietly said.
“Then, you didn’t.”
“No. This one’s question from yesterday was answered by Kaoru-dono.”
If a person had to kill to protect others, what is Kamiya Kasshin’s solution?
“I see. And what is that answer?”
“It is not to give in to killing, even when it is tempting to. It is to remember that life should be protected.”
It was an ambitious and innocent answer, and only his daughter could have come up with it. It was just as fitting, for the ambitious and innocent era to which she belonged. “It is a good answer, as expected of the master.”
Kaoru had been listening, and she beamed. “Thank you, Otou-san.”
Sagara stepped over, throwing an arm over Himura. “By the way, you didn’t come back until now, huh? Nice, did you do it with her?”
Koshijiro made an excruciating turn towards them.
“We didn’t do anything!” Kaoru lunged at Sagara, and he dodged her. Meanwhile, Koshijiro left, heading down the hallway. He emerged with Himura’s bedding, and the man tilted his head.
“Oro? Is there a problem with this one’s futon?”
“No, you’re sleeping in the shed tonight.”
“Oro!”
Sagara and Yahiko howled with laughter, and Kaoru’s face was red. “Otou-san!”
“After he sees Dr. Gensai for his wound.” It was the least he could do, for the man who had brought his daughter home.
This took longer to write than I expected, but I’m pretty pleased with the result. All the named characters are from canon too, and Misao is just lots of fun to write. :D
Prompt: Kaleidoscope
"Hey there!" Misao entered the room and checked her clipboard. “You’re Iori-kun?”
The little boy stared at her with huge eyes, before turning his face into his mother’s shoulder. Arai-san murmured. “It’s alright. This onee-san will give you a pinch, and then, we’ll go home.”
“Yeah, it’s like a shot. You’ve had those before.” A small tube would do for his bloodwork, and she prepared a butterfly needle. “Nothing to be scared of.”
But he had peeked at her and began to cry. Arai-san tried to shush him and looked to Misao. “Can you please do it quickly?”
“Oh, but if he’s all tensed up, it’ll make it worse.” She winced; Iori had only heard ‘worse’ and was crying harder. “Um…ah! Wait one moment, please!”
Luckily, she had left her bag in the workspace on the floor above. She retrieved what she needed and raced back to the examination room, deliberately posing. “Look, what’s this? It’s a toy, just for you.”
Well, it had been a party favor, from the birthday of Omine’s kid. There was an extra gift bag and she had been the next youngest, but she was twenty-three! Her pride had been wounded, so at least, she could get rid of the damn thing. She held the kaleidoscope to her eye, twisting the lens. “Whoa, such pretty colors! Red, blue, green. Lots of squares, and ooh, they’ve turned into diamonds now. Iori-kun, you’ve got to see.”
He hiccupped, but he had quieted, showing interest. She let him grip the kaleidoscope, and Arai-san moved the lens for him. Misao took the opportunity to draw his blood, and although he yelped at the needle prick, the toy distracted him from crying again. Once she finished and applied the gauze to his vein, Arai-san tried to coax her son into returning the kaleidoscope.
“No, it’s okay. He can keep it.” She said, as she labeled the closed tube. “Feel better soon, Iori-kun!”
***
“I heard from Dr. Gensai, that the pediatric unit is calling you the Kaleidoscope Nurse.” Kaoru teased, a week later in the workspace.
Misao turned up her nose. “It just shows that I’m popular. And I got my bonus early, so I could buy more.”
“It’s not really a bonus, if you spend it on the toys.” Sagara pointed out.
“Aw, shut it!” He was being a killjoy, since Takani was working overtime.
“Still, it’s good to cheer up the children.” Himura spoke up. “If they laugh, they forget that they’re in pain. That’s why this one does clumsy things. Oro!” His pen flew out of his hand, and Kaoru picked it up.
“Are you sure it’s just for show?” She playfully asked.
“Well, fairly sure. Thank you, Dr. Kamiya.” His smile widened, as it always did around Kaoru. Maybe, Misao thought, she could talk him into the idea of a double date. Himura and Kaoru, herself and Aoshi-sama. Sagara could join too, if he managed to do more than banter with Takani.
Her cell phone abruptly vibrated, and she answered. “Hello?”
“Misao, it’s me.”
“Aoshi-sama? What do you need?”
“Do you have one of those kaleidoscopes?”
“Always.” In fact, she had to reserve a drawer for them in her desk.
“I’m about to operate on a four-year-old who needs to be distracted. She’s being belligerent, and the anesthesiologist is having trouble. Can you provide a distraction?” He provided the location.
“Okay, I’ll take the stairs there!” She clenched her fist. “Tell her Kaleidoscope Nurse is on her way!”
“Mm.” Then, he hung up.
“Why do you call him Aoshi-sama?” Sagara asked.
“It’s an inside joke.” She explained, as she pocketed two kaleidoscopes, just in case the patient didn’t like one of them. “Jiiya always had a history documentary on the TV, and I liked pretending to be a ninja. I’d sneak into Aoshi-sama’s house and pretend he was the lord I had to report to. Of course, I insisted on being Lady Kunoichi Misao, but he stopped, because he was embarrassed. Alright, I’m off!”
The nurses outfitted her, so she could enter the operating room. Aoshi-sama acknowledged her with a nod, before motioning to the patient, who was attempting to escape the anesthesiologist. “This is Akari.”
“Akari-chan.” She approached the little girl, and gazed into one of the kaleidoscopes. “Ah, I see very pretty colors in here.” She launched into her usual speech, but the little girl flailed.
“Don’t want it! No, no!”
“Huh?” Misao frowned. The toy usually satisfied patients…unless, it wasn’t enough for this girl. She knelt close to the bed, to be on eye level with Akari. “Then, what do you want?”
She halted her frenzy. “Kagari!”
“Who’s Kagari?”
“Kagari’s her twin sister.” The anesthesiologist said.
“Ah, so they’re close.” She looked around the room. “Well, what are you waiting for? Bring Kagari in!”
Aoshi-sama answered. “Kagari is in the lobby with their parents. We’ll have to take precautions, because of potential exposure.”
“How hard is it to disinfect one four-year-old kid? Otherwise, you might not be conducting a surgery at all.” Her input wasn’t appreciated by the other doctors, and an argument exploded. She felt she was being picked on, but Aoshi-sama turned to a nearby nurse.
“Prepare the twin sister, so she can enter.”
Misao was delighted. Kagari had to be carried in, the scrubs were too big for her to walk in, and she was handed to Misao. “Come on, Kagari-chan, let’s make your sister happy.”
Then, she handed a kaleidoscope to each of them. “Now, tell each other what you see. And yeah, they’re sterile, so don’t get your scrubs in a twist.” She added, for the benefit of the hovering surgeons.
“Lots of colors!” Kagari gasped, rotating the entire kaleidoscope. “Akari, look!”
Akari had calmed instantly, and the facemask was slipped onto her as she copied her twin. “Yeah. It’s a rainbow inside.”
“There you go. The two of you can have fun with the same toy, even if you’re apart. Akari-chan, when you look through the kaleidoscope, Kagari-chan will be doing the same with hers. That way, the two of you are connected together.”
“Together?” Kagari repeated. “Together with Akari!”
“Yup, that’s right!” She glanced at Akari. The anesthesia was working, for the little girl closed her eyes. “Now, it’s time for you to sleep, but remember what I said, okay?”
She and Kagari were escorted out, and when she called goodbye over her shoulder, Aoshi-sama might have smiled at her.
She didn’t see him again until she was waiting for the bus. Aoshi-sama emerged from the lobby, and she waved to him. They boarded, and as the vehicle wove along the roads, she asked. “How did the surgery go?”
“It was successful. After waking up, the patient was also mollified by the toy, even without her sister present. Thank you, Misao.” He paused. “I suppose I should reward you.”
She took the leap. “Go on a date with me.”
To her pleasant surprise, he spluttered. “A date? Why?”
“Because I’m single, and Jiiya said you were single too.”
“He should mind his own business.” He muttered.
She ignored that. “Well, it might be fun, because we can skip awkward introductions.”
“Yes, because I’ve known you for years.”
“So you’d say yes if I was a stranger?”
“Misao…” There was a warning note in his voice, and she backed off.
“Okay.” Her face burned. He knew how she felt, ever since Jiiya drunkenly read out of her journal on her sixteenth birthday, but he had never indicated what he thought. Part of her had always, always hoped that he would. It seemed she didn’t need to wonder any longer. The bus stopped a block away from her apartment, and she prepared to step off. “You can think of it as a joke, then.”
“Misao.”
“See you tomorrow.”
However, he followed her out onto the sidewalk. “Do you remember Beshimi, Hyottoko, Han’nya, and Shikijo?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t forget anyone from our neighborhood. But they’re working in a hospital, back in Kyoto.”
“That’s true, and they still enjoy the theater. In fact, they sent two tickets, for a historical play next weekend.” He looked at her. “I cannot date anyone right now due to work, so technically, it won’t be what you want. However, would you like to go with me and meet them?”
She was dumbstruck, but she managed to nod. “Yes!”
He inclined his head. “Then, I will e-mail you the details. Good night.”
“Good night.” She replied, forcing herself to pick up her feet in the direction of her apartment. It may have been a dark evening, but to her, the world was in full color, as if a kaleidoscope lens was turning and turning.
I’m doing Set B’s prompts, and I’m fitting them into With These Hands, the hospital!AU. I’ve explained why on the previous chapter, and also, the last thing I need to do is start a new fic. But the medical field is a good setting for capable, intelligent, kind, underestimated women.
Prompt: Renewal
“Yes, I can redirect you to him right now.” Tsubame reassured the harried patient on the other end, quickly looking up Dr. Gensai’s number. The receptionist who supervised her looked on, slowly nodding as she returned to her own line. When Tsubame was finished, she set the phone on its receiver, and almost immediately, it rang again.
She was thankful for her internship, but answering calls was rather exhausting. At least, she told herself, she was actually in Kamiya Kasshin Hospital, and that any experience would aid her in the future.
“Hey, Tsubame.”
She looked up, to see Yahiko standing on the other side of the counter. He had a large coffee in hand, presumably to prepare for his shift in the evening. “Hello, Yahiko-kun. How are you?”
He nodded. “Fine. You’re still handling calls?”
“Yes.”
“You should have signed up as an EMT too.”
“I have a class in the evenings.” She said, and he seemed to recall the difference in their schedules. “I’d only get nervous anyway.”
“It’s not that bad.” He argued. “And even Yutaro gets nervous sometimes. But if you’re happy, that’s what matters. I guess.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
After he walked through the front doors, the calls resumed. If she had chosen to be an EMT, she would have experienced more than fleeting voices. But this was what she had decided, and she had to live with it. Bracing herself, she picked up the phone.
***
As the sun set, the lines quieted. Tsubame nibbled at the onigiri she had packed for herself, keeping an eye on the lobby. There were many sick patients waiting, and it was hard to focus on the homework she had to finish. Perhaps, it would improve over time, but she found it difficult to endure the collective misery. It agonized her, but she was only a week-old intern and her responsibilities were limited.
Her supervisor stood, saying that she had to copy forms. “If anyone calls, put them on hold until I get back.”
“Okay.”
She had hoped that there wouldn’t be any, but not even five minutes later, the phone blared. She checked the incoming signal. It was one of the ambulances, and it was likely there was an urgent situation. She desperately looked around; to her dismay, the other receptionists were handling calls of their own. Gingerly, she picked up and nervously asked. “Hello? Please, wai-”
“Tsubame!” Yahiko’s voice was on edge, and in the background, she thought she heard Yutaro murmur soothingly. Yahiko spoke again. “We’re on our way back, but we need a room available when we get there!”
A chill swept through her, as her senses went into full alert. Her free hand scrambled for a pen and notepad, to jot down whatever he would say. “How can I help?”
“Patient is 15 years old, male, suffering from acute appendicitis. He needs to be operated on, like now. Pediatric surgery unit!” He added, having been prompted by a coworker.
“Yes, I’ll contact them! How long will it be until you get here?”
“Ten minutes.”
“I’ll put you on hold. Please wait until I get confirmation.” She rapidly dialed the number for the pediatric surgery unit. “This is the main desk. Do you have a bed available? There’s a patient en route, who needs to go into surgery immediately!” She relayed the information as best as she could, waiting anxiously as the other end searched for an available physician. Within a minute, they did.
“This is Dr. Himura.” His voice was soft and calm. “What are the details?”
She repeated herself, feeling a little more certain. “They’ll arrive in another five minutes, I believe.”
“Got it. Thank you…?”
“Sanjou!”
“Thank you, Sanjou-san.” He sincerely said and gave her the number of the available room. “We’ll be ready.”
The line clicked, and she quickly returned to Yahiko. “The patient will be seeing Dr. Himura in the pediatric surgery unit.” She provided the room number and floor.
He reiterated the information. “Okay, thanks, Tsubame. We’ll be in touch if there’s anything else.”
At last, Tsubame shakily put the phone down. Her heartbeat was racing so loudly, she didn’t hear anything else until a nearby receptionist asked if she was alright. She realized that she was standing, and she hastily sat down.
I helped out. I helped make a difference. She thought. Ah, this is why I’m here.
She ducked her head, smiling. Her resolve had been renewed; she desired to help people, in her own way. As long as she reminded herself of that, her confidence wouldn’t waver.
