The sun beat down hard on the seventy-eighth district in the East Rokungai. Everyone was doing their best to stay cool. Some stayed in their homes or in the shade. Those unfortunate enough to not have homes were hiding in the shadows of the alleys of the seedy district.
Orphans were running through the streets doing their best not stay in the sun. One of them was walking shirtless through the streets, sweating bullets, and doing his best not to succumb to heat stroke. His black hair had grown long from never once being cut and was matted from the heat. This boy was named Kenshin Hogasha.
Kenshin had been in the seventy-eighth district for as long as he could remember. He couldn’t really remember when he died since he was very young at the time. He now had the appearance of a thirteen year old, though he stopped keeping tracking of his age a while ago.
He didn’t have any family as far as he knew. He had been alone since the day he arrived. He survived the same way the orphans did- he stole when he needed food. He didn’t keep most of it though since there were other orphans that were too young to fend for themselves so he shared his food with them. That was the way Kenshin was. He had this powerful need to protect others even at the expense of himself. This led him to have a pretty thin body that was devoid of any fat what so ever. He wasn’t emaciated like some of the other orphans but he still looked malnourished.
His stomach rumbled from the last two days that he went without food. He didn’t like stealing but he had to if he wanted to survive. He saw a fruit stand not too far from where he was. The owner was leaning back in his chair fanning himself with a paper fan and wearing a bamboo shade to cover his head from the sun. Kenshin looked at it for a few moments and noticed that the man seemed pretty lethargic, most likely due to the heat. Stealing from him wouldn’t be too hard. Kenshin ran towards the fruit stand and grabbed an apple before taking off a quickly as he could. The man looked up in time to see Kenshin run off with the apple and was about to chase him but it was too hot to be running after a kid who only stole one fruit. So he settled for shouting obscenities at the young boy.
Kenshin rounded the corner and stopped. He wiped the sweat off his brow and rubbed the apple clean against his pants. He held it up and smiled at it; the thought of finally getting to eat making him ecstatic.
He was about to take his first bite until he heard a noise that sounded like moaning. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a girl holding her stomach as she walked. She looked like she was in pain. Finally she collapsed onto the ground.
Kenshin rushed over to her body and turned so she was lying on her back. The girl had mid-length strawberry blonde hair and a very pretty face. She looked not too older than Kenshin. She was at least a couple inches taller than him and her bust was certainly much bigger than most girls her age- an observation that made Kenshin blush a bit. Her face was filthy as were her clothes and her skin was pale. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in a week. A few moans escaped her lips and her eyes seemed to drift off into space.
“Hey, are you alright” Kenshin asked with concern. He was worried this girl might die at any second.
The girl only moaned in response as she looked over at Kenshin. Her eyes widened when she laid her eyes on the apple in his hand. Kenshin noticed this and groaned inwardly. He was really looking forward to finally eating all of his food instead of sharing it. But still he couldn’t just let this girl go on like this. So with a sigh he lifted her head up held the apple close to her face.
“Eat this” he said.
She eagerly obliged and bit into quickly and chewed as fast as she could so she could get her second bite. Kenshin let her take hold of it and sat her up so she could eat on her own. When half the apple was gone she stopped eating and took a moment to look over her savior. She noticed he was staring at the half eaten fruit in her hands. She looked back and forth between the two a few times and the realization hit her.
“Is this your apple” she asked, feeling a little ashamed.
“O-oh no, it’s… it’s fine. You need it more than I do” he said with a weak smile.
She shook her head and held it out for him to take.
“No, it’s yours. You must be hungry too. I’m grateful that you would share it with me” she said with a small smile.
Kenshin looked at her and then the apple and then his stomach rumbled… rather loudly. The girl stifled a laugh and Kenshin blushed in embarrassment. With a sigh he took the half-eaten apple and took a bite, relishing in the taste and satisfaction it brought his stomach.
“Thanks” he said with a smile. “But you must still be hungry”.
“I am but, I don’t want you to suffer because of me”.
“It’s alright. I couldn’t just let you starve”.
“Thank you”.
“What’s your name” Kenshin asked curiously after he took another bite of his apple.
“It’s Rangiku… Rangiku Matsumoto” she said with a kind smile.
“I’m Kenshin Hogasha” he said returning her smile.
They then heard the sound of laughter. It came from multiple people. Kenshin looked to see one of the local gang of bullies that acted like they owned the whole district. There were six altogether. Kenshin had to put up with them before. They always stole food from starving kids that were too weak to fight back. Kenshin defended a little boy and baby sister from them once. His reward was getting beaten into the dirt.
Kenshin glared at them as they stared at him and Rangiku with wicked grins on their faces. Though, behind the grins that were given to Rangiku were also lecherous thoughts. Their leader, a boy that looked only slightly older than Kenshin with greasy blonde hair and a scar that ran through his eyebrow, stepped forward with a heavy stick resting on his shoulder.
“Hey Kenshin. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you around. You still sharing your food with the other brats around this rat hole”?
Kenshin only glared at him as he stood up. Rangiku looked back and forth between them, a little scared about what was going on.
“Oh! And who this you have here with you” he said once he noticed Rangiku.
“She’s quite a looker. Maybe she’d be willing to do a few “things” for us if we give her some food” he said, licking his lips, as his eyes trailed all over Rangiku’s body, sending a few chills down her spine.
“Leave her alone, Shingo” Kenshin said as he moved in front of Rangiku.
“Well now, little Kenshin wants to protect someone again. We hate when you do that Kenshin. It ruins are fun. Believe it or not beating on you gets a little tiring. Why don’t you just let us have this pretty piece of tail and maybe we’ll lay off you for a little while” he said with a smirk as he tried to move past Kenshin to get to Rangiku.
“I said leave her alone” Kenshin said sternly as he pushed Shingo away from Rangiku and on to the ground.
His gang tensed up and glared at Kenshin, waiting for their leader to give the order to run him into the ground.
Shingo quickly got onto his feet and gave a hateful glare at Kenshin.
“You never listen do you ‘hero’” he snarled at Kenshin. “Now we need to teach you another lesson” he said with an evil smirk growing on his face. “Get ‘em guys” he ordered his gang.
The group smiled wickedly at the two. Some cracked their knuckles in anticipation of the upcoming brawl. Kenshin stood his ground and looked back at Rangiku.
“Run! Get out of here!” he shouted to her.
“But…” she said with concerned eyes. She didn’t want him getting hurt for her sake.
“Just go! I’ll be fine” he shouted once more.
Rangiku looked at him for a few more seconds then reluctantly nodded. She quickly got to her feet and took off running. She looked back once more to see the gang surround Kenshin and then looked forward and continued her escape.
Kenshin stood stone still while Shingo’s gang formed a circle around him. One of them charged at him first and sent a fist towards Kenshin. He evaded it and retaliated with a punch of his own, knocking the boy of his feet. Another came from behind and bum rushed Kenshin to the ground. Kenshin responded by kicking his legs out from under him and sending him down to join him. After that, the entire gang moved in on Kenshin and started kicking and punching him while. Kenshin was unable to do much at this point. They outnumbered him and wouldn’t give him a chance to fight back so he just laid there on the ground and took it.
Rangiku rounded a corner, already out of breath from the running with barely any energy or strength left to begin with. She ran until she tripped over her own feet and fell face first into the dirt. She groaned in pain and felt tears trying to force their way through their eyes. She left Kenshin to be beaten to a pulp and she could do nothing to help him. She felt so useless.
“Hey, you okay” a voice called out.
Rangiku looked up to see a young man with short silver hair and fox-like grin on his face walking towards her. He knelt down and offered a hand to help her up.
“Quite a fall you took there. Want some help” he asked with a cheerful tone.
Rangiku was taken aback. This was the second act of kindness performed for her today. She slowly took his hand and was lifted back up to her feet.
“Thank you” she said as she wiped away her tears.
“No problem. But what were you running from” he asked curiously.
Rangiku then remembered Kenshin. She though maybe this young man could help her.
“There’s a boy back there getting beat up by a bunch thugs. He told me to run away so I wouldn’t get hurt. Please, we have to help him” she begged.
“Calm down! I’ll see what I can do. Where is he”?
“This way” Rangiku said as she took his hand and led him to the spot where she left Kenshin.
When they neared the street where Kenshin was last seen, Rangiku peeked around the corner to see if that gang was still there.
Sure enough, they were and they were still beating Kenshin. They were kicking him while he just laid on the ground. Rangiku could barely see past them and couldn’t tell how Kenshin was.
“That’s enough” she heard Shingo order.
She wanted to run over and help him but the boy she brought with her held her back.
“We have to help him” she said desperately.
“There’s not much we can do for him at this point. They outnumber us and you’re not strong enough to fight them. Just wait. When they leave we’ll go get him” he said as he watched the scene.
Rangiku didn’t like this plan at all. She didn’t want to just watch someone who protected her get beaten. She couldn’t even believe that he would suggest that. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny that he was mostly right. She couldn’t do much in her state and even if she was at her best, what could she and one stranger do against six guys. So, reluctantly she watched as a few tears streamed down her cheeks.
Shingo walked towards Kenshin’s limp body. Kenshin was trying to get up but it was a great stuggle for him. Shingo stood over him and stared at him for a moment before bring his stick down, very hard on Kenshin. He grunted in pain and went back to lying limp on the ground. But Shingo wasn’t done yet. He raised his stick back up again and started to hit Kenshin several times.
“This… is… what… you… get… when… you… act… like… a… hero” he shouted as he assaulted Kenshin.
Shingo stopped his attack to take a breath and then brought his stick down on Kenshin for a final time.
“Let’s go, guys. I’m tired of this punk” he said as he walked away. They all obeyed and followed him down the street.
When they were out of sight, Rangiku ran for Kenshin’s body with the young man following closely behind. She was scared. He wasn’t moving and as she got closer she could see the full extent of the damage he received.
She knelt down beside Kenshin and gasped at all the cuts and bruises that were left on him. His breathing was shallow which caused her further panic.
He gave out a groan and turned his head when he felt the presence of another person.
“Rangiku?” he rasped.
“I’m so sorry” she said with tears in her eyes.
“What this? It’s fine. I’ve taken beatings like this before” he said with a weak chuckle, which caused him to wince from the pain.
“He’s in pretty bad shape” Gin said as knelt down on the other side of Kenshin.
Kenshin looked turned his head to look at the stranger next to him.
“Who are you”?
“Oh that’s right! I was so worried I never even asked for your name” Rangiku said a little embarrassed.
“That’s okay; you were worried about your friend. It’s Gin by the way. Gin Ichimaru” he said with grin.
“Your friend here wanted to rush in and save you but I kept her from being seen” Gin said to Kenshin.
“Thanks for keeping her safe Gin. My names Kenshin Hogasha” he said with a weak smile.
“I’m Rangiku Matsumoto”.
“Nice to meet both of you, though the circumstances could be a little better”.
Kenshin and Rangiku chuckled lightly and had to admit he was right. Gin then gently lifted Kenshin’s arm over his shoulder and helped him to stand. Rangiku did the same with his other arm.
“I’m really sorry Kenshin” Rangiku apologized, yet agan.
“It’s alright. Don’t worry about. I think I’ve gotten used to Shingo and his gang beating me” he said with a small smile.
“Is there anyway I can make it up to you”?
“Right now, I just want to lie down” he said weakly.
“Well I got a place where you guys can rest. I got a little food to spare to” Gin said.
Rangiku and Kenshin were thrilled to hear that.
“That’d be great” Kenshin said.
Orphans were running through the streets doing their best not stay in the sun. One of them was walking shirtless through the streets, sweating bullets, and doing his best not to succumb to heat stroke. His black hair had grown long from never once being cut and was matted from the heat. This boy was named Kenshin Hogasha.
Kenshin had been in the seventy-eighth district for as long as he could remember. He couldn’t really remember when he died since he was very young at the time. He now had the appearance of a thirteen year old, though he stopped keeping tracking of his age a while ago.
He didn’t have any family as far as he knew. He had been alone since the day he arrived. He survived the same way the orphans did- he stole when he needed food. He didn’t keep most of it though since there were other orphans that were too young to fend for themselves so he shared his food with them. That was the way Kenshin was. He had this powerful need to protect others even at the expense of himself. This led him to have a pretty thin body that was devoid of any fat what so ever. He wasn’t emaciated like some of the other orphans but he still looked malnourished.
His stomach rumbled from the last two days that he went without food. He didn’t like stealing but he had to if he wanted to survive. He saw a fruit stand not too far from where he was. The owner was leaning back in his chair fanning himself with a paper fan and wearing a bamboo shade to cover his head from the sun. Kenshin looked at it for a few moments and noticed that the man seemed pretty lethargic, most likely due to the heat. Stealing from him wouldn’t be too hard. Kenshin ran towards the fruit stand and grabbed an apple before taking off a quickly as he could. The man looked up in time to see Kenshin run off with the apple and was about to chase him but it was too hot to be running after a kid who only stole one fruit. So he settled for shouting obscenities at the young boy.
Kenshin rounded the corner and stopped. He wiped the sweat off his brow and rubbed the apple clean against his pants. He held it up and smiled at it; the thought of finally getting to eat making him ecstatic.
He was about to take his first bite until he heard a noise that sounded like moaning. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a girl holding her stomach as she walked. She looked like she was in pain. Finally she collapsed onto the ground.
Kenshin rushed over to her body and turned so she was lying on her back. The girl had mid-length strawberry blonde hair and a very pretty face. She looked not too older than Kenshin. She was at least a couple inches taller than him and her bust was certainly much bigger than most girls her age- an observation that made Kenshin blush a bit. Her face was filthy as were her clothes and her skin was pale. She looked like she hadn’t eaten in a week. A few moans escaped her lips and her eyes seemed to drift off into space.
“Hey, are you alright” Kenshin asked with concern. He was worried this girl might die at any second.
The girl only moaned in response as she looked over at Kenshin. Her eyes widened when she laid her eyes on the apple in his hand. Kenshin noticed this and groaned inwardly. He was really looking forward to finally eating all of his food instead of sharing it. But still he couldn’t just let this girl go on like this. So with a sigh he lifted her head up held the apple close to her face.
“Eat this” he said.
She eagerly obliged and bit into quickly and chewed as fast as she could so she could get her second bite. Kenshin let her take hold of it and sat her up so she could eat on her own. When half the apple was gone she stopped eating and took a moment to look over her savior. She noticed he was staring at the half eaten fruit in her hands. She looked back and forth between the two a few times and the realization hit her.
“Is this your apple” she asked, feeling a little ashamed.
“O-oh no, it’s… it’s fine. You need it more than I do” he said with a weak smile.
She shook her head and held it out for him to take.
“No, it’s yours. You must be hungry too. I’m grateful that you would share it with me” she said with a small smile.
Kenshin looked at her and then the apple and then his stomach rumbled… rather loudly. The girl stifled a laugh and Kenshin blushed in embarrassment. With a sigh he took the half-eaten apple and took a bite, relishing in the taste and satisfaction it brought his stomach.
“Thanks” he said with a smile. “But you must still be hungry”.
“I am but, I don’t want you to suffer because of me”.
“It’s alright. I couldn’t just let you starve”.
“Thank you”.
“What’s your name” Kenshin asked curiously after he took another bite of his apple.
“It’s Rangiku… Rangiku Matsumoto” she said with a kind smile.
“I’m Kenshin Hogasha” he said returning her smile.
They then heard the sound of laughter. It came from multiple people. Kenshin looked to see one of the local gang of bullies that acted like they owned the whole district. There were six altogether. Kenshin had to put up with them before. They always stole food from starving kids that were too weak to fight back. Kenshin defended a little boy and baby sister from them once. His reward was getting beaten into the dirt.
Kenshin glared at them as they stared at him and Rangiku with wicked grins on their faces. Though, behind the grins that were given to Rangiku were also lecherous thoughts. Their leader, a boy that looked only slightly older than Kenshin with greasy blonde hair and a scar that ran through his eyebrow, stepped forward with a heavy stick resting on his shoulder.
“Hey Kenshin. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you around. You still sharing your food with the other brats around this rat hole”?
Kenshin only glared at him as he stood up. Rangiku looked back and forth between them, a little scared about what was going on.
“Oh! And who this you have here with you” he said once he noticed Rangiku.
“She’s quite a looker. Maybe she’d be willing to do a few “things” for us if we give her some food” he said, licking his lips, as his eyes trailed all over Rangiku’s body, sending a few chills down her spine.
“Leave her alone, Shingo” Kenshin said as he moved in front of Rangiku.
“Well now, little Kenshin wants to protect someone again. We hate when you do that Kenshin. It ruins are fun. Believe it or not beating on you gets a little tiring. Why don’t you just let us have this pretty piece of tail and maybe we’ll lay off you for a little while” he said with a smirk as he tried to move past Kenshin to get to Rangiku.
“I said leave her alone” Kenshin said sternly as he pushed Shingo away from Rangiku and on to the ground.
His gang tensed up and glared at Kenshin, waiting for their leader to give the order to run him into the ground.
Shingo quickly got onto his feet and gave a hateful glare at Kenshin.
“You never listen do you ‘hero’” he snarled at Kenshin. “Now we need to teach you another lesson” he said with an evil smirk growing on his face. “Get ‘em guys” he ordered his gang.
The group smiled wickedly at the two. Some cracked their knuckles in anticipation of the upcoming brawl. Kenshin stood his ground and looked back at Rangiku.
“Run! Get out of here!” he shouted to her.
“But…” she said with concerned eyes. She didn’t want him getting hurt for her sake.
“Just go! I’ll be fine” he shouted once more.
Rangiku looked at him for a few more seconds then reluctantly nodded. She quickly got to her feet and took off running. She looked back once more to see the gang surround Kenshin and then looked forward and continued her escape.
Kenshin stood stone still while Shingo’s gang formed a circle around him. One of them charged at him first and sent a fist towards Kenshin. He evaded it and retaliated with a punch of his own, knocking the boy of his feet. Another came from behind and bum rushed Kenshin to the ground. Kenshin responded by kicking his legs out from under him and sending him down to join him. After that, the entire gang moved in on Kenshin and started kicking and punching him while. Kenshin was unable to do much at this point. They outnumbered him and wouldn’t give him a chance to fight back so he just laid there on the ground and took it.
Rangiku rounded a corner, already out of breath from the running with barely any energy or strength left to begin with. She ran until she tripped over her own feet and fell face first into the dirt. She groaned in pain and felt tears trying to force their way through their eyes. She left Kenshin to be beaten to a pulp and she could do nothing to help him. She felt so useless.
“Hey, you okay” a voice called out.
Rangiku looked up to see a young man with short silver hair and fox-like grin on his face walking towards her. He knelt down and offered a hand to help her up.
“Quite a fall you took there. Want some help” he asked with a cheerful tone.
Rangiku was taken aback. This was the second act of kindness performed for her today. She slowly took his hand and was lifted back up to her feet.
“Thank you” she said as she wiped away her tears.
“No problem. But what were you running from” he asked curiously.
Rangiku then remembered Kenshin. She though maybe this young man could help her.
“There’s a boy back there getting beat up by a bunch thugs. He told me to run away so I wouldn’t get hurt. Please, we have to help him” she begged.
“Calm down! I’ll see what I can do. Where is he”?
“This way” Rangiku said as she took his hand and led him to the spot where she left Kenshin.
When they neared the street where Kenshin was last seen, Rangiku peeked around the corner to see if that gang was still there.
Sure enough, they were and they were still beating Kenshin. They were kicking him while he just laid on the ground. Rangiku could barely see past them and couldn’t tell how Kenshin was.
“That’s enough” she heard Shingo order.
She wanted to run over and help him but the boy she brought with her held her back.
“We have to help him” she said desperately.
“There’s not much we can do for him at this point. They outnumber us and you’re not strong enough to fight them. Just wait. When they leave we’ll go get him” he said as he watched the scene.
Rangiku didn’t like this plan at all. She didn’t want to just watch someone who protected her get beaten. She couldn’t even believe that he would suggest that. But at the same time, she couldn’t deny that he was mostly right. She couldn’t do much in her state and even if she was at her best, what could she and one stranger do against six guys. So, reluctantly she watched as a few tears streamed down her cheeks.
Shingo walked towards Kenshin’s limp body. Kenshin was trying to get up but it was a great stuggle for him. Shingo stood over him and stared at him for a moment before bring his stick down, very hard on Kenshin. He grunted in pain and went back to lying limp on the ground. But Shingo wasn’t done yet. He raised his stick back up again and started to hit Kenshin several times.
“This… is… what… you… get… when… you… act… like… a… hero” he shouted as he assaulted Kenshin.
Shingo stopped his attack to take a breath and then brought his stick down on Kenshin for a final time.
“Let’s go, guys. I’m tired of this punk” he said as he walked away. They all obeyed and followed him down the street.
When they were out of sight, Rangiku ran for Kenshin’s body with the young man following closely behind. She was scared. He wasn’t moving and as she got closer she could see the full extent of the damage he received.
She knelt down beside Kenshin and gasped at all the cuts and bruises that were left on him. His breathing was shallow which caused her further panic.
He gave out a groan and turned his head when he felt the presence of another person.
“Rangiku?” he rasped.
“I’m so sorry” she said with tears in her eyes.
“What this? It’s fine. I’ve taken beatings like this before” he said with a weak chuckle, which caused him to wince from the pain.
“He’s in pretty bad shape” Gin said as knelt down on the other side of Kenshin.
Kenshin looked turned his head to look at the stranger next to him.
“Who are you”?
“Oh that’s right! I was so worried I never even asked for your name” Rangiku said a little embarrassed.
“That’s okay; you were worried about your friend. It’s Gin by the way. Gin Ichimaru” he said with grin.
“Your friend here wanted to rush in and save you but I kept her from being seen” Gin said to Kenshin.
“Thanks for keeping her safe Gin. My names Kenshin Hogasha” he said with a weak smile.
“I’m Rangiku Matsumoto”.
“Nice to meet both of you, though the circumstances could be a little better”.
Kenshin and Rangiku chuckled lightly and had to admit he was right. Gin then gently lifted Kenshin’s arm over his shoulder and helped him to stand. Rangiku did the same with his other arm.
“I’m really sorry Kenshin” Rangiku apologized, yet agan.
“It’s alright. Don’t worry about. I think I’ve gotten used to Shingo and his gang beating me” he said with a small smile.
“Is there anyway I can make it up to you”?
“Right now, I just want to lie down” he said weakly.
“Well I got a place where you guys can rest. I got a little food to spare to” Gin said.
Rangiku and Kenshin were thrilled to hear that.
“That’d be great” Kenshin said.
Last edited by BlackHeart on Wed Jan 13 2010, 00:14; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : update)