When Kamui becomes Kawaii
by Rei-chu Asakura
AN: The title itself says that Kamui will somewhat be out of character in this fic (I've warned you~) but it's for the better, trust me. XD Don't you crave for Kamui's non-existent sister complex, sweetness, brotherliness and cuteness? I do! That's why I wrote this XD Anyway, I disclaim the disclaimable stuff. I hope you enjoy reading! :D This chapter is my first try on Kagura's POV, so I hope it turns out well ^_^
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Chapter 1: A Bleeding Head Is Not Always a Bad Thing
That day marked the start of it all.
The interrelated process of gaining something and losing something has never been noteworthy for me until this story happened. It began ordinarily with the sun up and dominating, the yorozuya having nothing good to do and me chewing on my favorite snack. No one would've expected this day to turn out the way it did. Not even him, probably…
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"Gin-chan! Shinpachi! I'm going to buy sukonbu with Sadaharu," I declared as I entered the living room, opening the sliding door a bit too forcefully in the process. I just ate the last box of my sour-strips and even the kitchen told me that Gin-chan's emergency sukonbu pack has long been gone.
Our gigantic pet stood from his resting corner and strode towards me upon hearing his name being mentioned. My right hand automatically stroked his fluffy head while the other offered its palm to my 'boss', asking for my irregular stipend. The silver-head, who was slouching on the sofa, quickly understood what I wanted but he had to give me a scowl before dropping a few coins on my hand. I guess it was because I disturbed a crucial scene in the manga he was reading or his stinginess was just springing up.
"Ah, Kagura-chan, while you're at it, could you buy a bottle of ketchup?" Shinpachi requested as he turned around from the desk he was cleaning. There was never a day when he wouldn't do any form of household chore. I don't know if he really works here to learn the samurai way from Gin-chan or he just wanted to play house and be the housewife or something. "We'll be having omurice for lunch today, thanks to the eggs Otose-san gave us," he added smiling warmly, completely unaware of my thoughts.
"Tss, useless megane ordering me around," I mumbled loud enough to annoy him before shoving my hand to the lazy guy for the necessary increase. This time, the couch potato complied without looking away from the current page.
"What did you say?!" I have to admit, Shinpachi can quickly turn from being nice and serious to being exasperated and funny. I'll never get tired of picking on this fellow.
"Oi, Kagura," the silver-haired man called before I could turn my back on both of them. He was busy multi-tasking –reading while picking his nose— so he only gave me a monotonous, "Be careful of red cars and guys in scooters who are rushing to buy a Jump. I heard this chapter will involve someone having amnesia. I've had enough of people with memory problems so don't get into trouble, hmm?"
"It was you who had amnesia before! Do you really have the right to say that?" was megane's tsukkomi comment. "And why are you breaking the fourth wall this early?!"
"I'm just warning her," Gin-chan answered casually. "I don't want to go through all the trouble of reminding someone of their past. It's such a drag."
"I'm old enough not to be hit by a car, Gin-chan, don't worry," I lazily replied as Sadaharu and I walked to the front door. "And I'm not stupid enough to forget my important memories like some old man in episode 31." I then heard him say something that sounded like he was angry but I knew better. I knew he wasn't really angry the least bit, so I just continued on my way out, snickering inwardly at how I've successfully bullied the two in my own special way.
I absolutely love our routine. I say and do mean things to them and they respond looking all funny. I learn many things from Gin-chan, though he would sometimes scramble for a good explanation for the difficult, adult-related questions if he couldn't pretend he's asleep. We make fun of Shinpachi like it's the most normal thing to do and he would blush or get fuming. We face different problems everyday but always manage to get through them and still smile at the end. I couldn't ask for anything more than my life here with all my friends.
But then, the next person I encountered told me something odd… something that led me to realize that there was one more thing that I want in this life. He wasn't even one of the main characters but because of him, things turned out odder than usual.
"Kagura-chan!" Yo-kun, my playmate who's somewhat a rip-off of Doraemon's Gian, took some time to catch his breath before he continued. I'm sure he easily found me here in the store where I get my sukonbu, that's why my eyebrow rose in doubt when he said, "We've been looking for you."
The unnamed boy who was always with Yo-kun took the honor of spilling the news because the fatty was still caught up by his heavy breathing. "In the park! We… we saw someone!"
But Yo-kun craved for more screen time so he butted in, "There was a person who looked like you! But… he's a guy… and he's unconscious."
If he didn't add the last part of his sentence, I would've rushed to the very place to prevent any chaos from happening and to save my playmates, who were probably there, caught in trouble. Even with the too little description they gave, my mind can recognize that person as fast as Gin-chan can switch the TV when Ketsuno Ana's program is on. But the last word that this boy said struck me with a weird feeling. 'Unconscious.' Hearing that,I felt relieved yet nervous at the same time.
As Sadaharu galloped us three to the park, they supplied me with more information that confirmed the person's identity. "He has the same hair color as yours, but his hair is tied in a braid." "He wears that kind of clothing, only a different color." "His skin is also more pale than normal, like yours." "We thought at first that you were just screwing with us with that kind of a bloody joke, but…" "…We got a better look when we turned him around!" "His head is covered in blood but he was still breathing when we checked." "We didn't know what to do." "You were the first person who came to our minds so we decided to call you and see if you know him."
"I do know him." That was the only response I gave them. They were staring at me with confused and frightened eyes. I guess I looked very serious during the ride but it was the least of my concerns. My mind was too busy brawling with the thoughts that were spiraling in it. 'What could've happened? Could someone have finally defeated that conceited whacko? Is that even him? I mean, whoever wrote this chapter could just be messing with me.'
Seeing the all too familiar entrance didn't give me the usual 'queen' feeling that I get whenever I go to my recreational area. Instead, it made me grip my umbrella tighter, ready to attack him should he have recovered by now. I just hope that none of my friends would be killed. They're just ordinary kids, dammit!
But… aside from the anger that was resurfacing inside me, I also sensed something in contrast when I spotted him. This weird sensation grew the closer we got to the motionless body lying on the pool of blood. I stepped down as soon as Sadaharu stopped, but I didn't forget to be alert and careful. I slowly approached him and I felt my heart sink at the same rate.
I hate my baka aniki, I am sure of that. He tried to kill Papi before and then left when Mami was dying. He cares so much about strength and the Yato beliefs that he changed from how he used to be when we were little. He only sees me as a weakling, that smug bastard. But despite everything, I…
I sat next to him, clueless of what to do. His eyes that were always smiling were now lifeless. His annoying smirk wasn't in its usual place. There were blood trails that dried up on his face and it looked like what happens when Sadaharu bites off someone's head. How I wish that was simply the case. I hate to admit it, but it pained me to see him in that state. I have wished a few times to see him beaten up into a pulp and learning his lesson, but surprisingly, this sight was enough for me. It was enough to moisten my eyes for some reason…
My hands moved on their own, taking hold of his head and hugging it on my lap. On a normal day, I would punch him squarely for staining my clothes but right now, I wasn't in the right mind to be violent. I could hear the other kids expressing their worries and curiosity, but nothing registered in my brain. I knew being this close to this guy and even showing affection like this could get myself killed, but I can't pull away no matter how my rational side willed me to do so. As if seeking some form of relief, my hand found its way onto his chest. Indeed, its weak up-and-down movement made me feel a little better. My lips curved into a small smile and my pride couldn't do anything about it. The next thing I knew, I was opening my umbrella and providing a shade for the wounded fellow, recognizing the fact that further exposure to sunlight would be bad for him. Really, why am I doing this?
Alright, so he's alive but unconscious. He's injured but he will surely heal up later. What will I do now?
Should I just leave him here and convince everyone that we didn't see anything? I would even put up a "maintenance ongoing" sign so no one would enter the park today. But I can't just leave him here in such a vulnerable condition, can I?
Should I bring him to a hospital then? But I don't have any money and his body would repair itself before long, anyway.
Should I bring him home then? But… he had his eyes set on Gin-chan as his prey. He might hurt Gin-chan and Shinpachi if his fighting instincts take the better of him. It would be like bringing a vicious lion in the measly home of the three blind mice. But I can't bring him to Anego's house nor Otose-san's either. They may be awfully strong but I don't want to put them in harm's way.
Gin-chan, what should I do?...
Wait, that's it! I'll ask Gin-chan what to do!
Dang, I wish I had a cell phone so I can call him. Should I just order Sadaharu to drag that lazy man here? Ah, but that would take long; he wouldn't give in without resisting at first.
Ahh, I guess I'll just bring this guy home. I bet any tsukkomi out there would say "What happened to your vicious lion and three blind mice argument?!" The hell, do you expect me to be all dramatic here while waiting for Sadaharu and Gin-chan? No way.
At least in case this guy wakes up, there'll be three of us there to fight him if he would pose any danger. Plus, there's Otose-san and Tama. (I can't expect much from Catherine, hehe.) We'll beat the crap out of this guy before he could lift a finger, yeah.
Man, Sa-chan's ropes would be useful right now; where is she when you need her? Tsk.
I lifted the guy onto Sadaharu's back and instructed my cute pet to carry him home while trying not to wake him up. It would require us to walk slowly but it's better than awakening the walking disaster. Before we could leave the park, though, Yo-kun and the other kids bombarded me with questions. I just answered them with, "I'll take care of this guy. He's my brother," then ignored their follow-ups such as, "You have a brother?!" "Why didn't you tell us!" "I knew it, that's Kagura-chan's brother!" "So that's why you look similar!" I can't blame them for being surprised. Even I sometimes forget that he exists… intentionally.
On our way home, only two questions occupied my mind: 'What could have happened to this guy?' and 'What will happen once he wakes up?' I could only guess and the uncertainty was starting to irritate me. Maybe he did find his match and lost the fight? Who could it be, if that were the case? And maybe he will turn over a new leaf after being defeated. Maybe he will be a nice guy from now on. But what if he's upset about his loss and takes it out on the first person he sees? That's more likely to happen so we have to be on guard.
I wonder how he will react when he finds out that his 'weak little sister' hmm… rescued him. I couldn't help but wince at that idea. I didn't actually save him, I just picked him up. But still, I wonder how he will see it…
Memories of my childhood flashed in my mind as I stared blankly at the vermillion hair I later found out I was stroking. There have been a lot of instances where he saved me or made me happy, and I cherished every single one of them. Those things happened soooo long ago that I'm not even sure if they were real or they were just some unforgettable dreams. Whatever they are, they never fail to make me smile-then-frown everytime I recall them. I guess there are some good things just don't last forever. Even the best rollercoaster can only be ridden for a few minutes then you have to fall in a long line before you could ride it again. I still want to believe otherwise, though. I want to believe that my happy days with Gin-chan and the others would last forever. And perhaps this guy could be a part of it, too. There's nothing wrong with hoping, is there?
My endless thoughts came to a halt when I realized that the door to our home was already in front of me. Sadaharu even barked to bring me back to my senses and I forced a smile for him, saying, "Don't worry, Sadaharu. Gin-chan would know what to do."
My hand landed on the door, but I had to take a deep breath before I could open it. I found that clichéd gesture effective, actually, because I was able to go straight to the living room and toss the unconscious person onto the sofa in one breath, no hesitations shown.
As expected, the two freaked out. Who wouldn't anyway if the youngest member of the house would suddenly come home and throw a blood-head in front of them –a familiar one at that.
"What the hell! Don't scare me like that!" Gin-chan jumped away.
"W-What happened?! Why is he-?" Shinpachi's eyes grew wider than his glasses.
And they started pushing away the reality in front of them like how idiots normally do.
"Kagura, I thought I told you not to bring home whatever interesting stuff you pick up from the streets." Gin-chan laughed foolishly. "That mannequin might look like someone you know but- you know- it can be a bomb from Mamushi factory!"
"Kagura-chan, tell me you just spilled the ketchup you bought on this person." Shinpachi's face was filled with horror but he was trying to cover it with a smile. "It's alright, we can still eat omurice and just forget about the existence of ketchup. What's ketchup, anyway?"
I just stared sarcastically at the two, hands anchored on my waist, waiting for them to snap out of their stupidity on their own. They tried to read my expression and didn't know what else to say, so they checked the body I brought, instead.
"Is he still alive?"
"I hope so. Why don't you try and check his pulse or something, Gin-san?"
"Y-you go ahead and do that! I'll be fine watching from the background."
"Are you scared of him suddenly pulling you and then biting your head off?"
"How did you-?"
"Ahh, just get over it already!" I finally roared. "You've already spent about 10 lines and we haven't gotten to the main thing!" I think it was my first time playing the tsukkomi role. "He's alive and he's been unconscious since the chapter started. I doubt that he'll suddenly bite your head off now. And besides, we brought him here without waking him up; do you think you can easily wake him up with one touch?!"
"What's will all the racket?" We suddenly heard a cheerful voice like that of someone who's stretching his arms after a nice siesta. When we turned to the source, we found him sitting up – Kamui-nii was beaming at us and we could only freeze in place.
His smile was quickly replaced by a few blinking of his eyes and then a confused look, and that became our cue to clutch our weapons as tight as we could. He looked like he was trying to think of something as his brows furrowed and his head angled down then to the right then to the upper left before he finally looked back at us. He smiled again, this time looking rather apologetic, and said, "I'm sorry but… who are you guys again?"
The familiarity of the situation struck us like Ippo's strongest punch. We've heard of something similar to that line somewhere before, but words couldn't escape our mouths to react. Our jaws then dropped even lower when this guy rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and added, "Could you also tell me who I am?" He laughed. "It's strange but I can't remember anything."
F***ing b****, did I hear that right?
######################### To be continued #########################
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AN: Yay! ^o^ Thank you for reading! :) The first chapter might seem a bit serious… but I think whenever Kagura is narrating, she does it with a serious sort of voice. :p Anyway, the underlying situation is supposed to be serious, actually, but since Gintama is supposed to be humorous, I guess this will be a mixture of seriousness/drama and comedy XD I just hope I can do that properly. And of course romance and sweet stuff will be present! :p For now, I will put Kagura and Kamui on the 'main characters' field because they will be kind of like the main characters in this fic XD (not necessarily the romantic pair! Haha!) and because there are only a few Kagura Kamui fics out there XD but I must warn you, I am a GinKagu shipper so… but I also support KaguraxKamui so… *grins* we'll see. XD *browsed ffdotnet to see how many Kamui fics are there and found out something shocking* ahhhh! There's already a Kamui-amnesia fic out there! :o Shimatta! *hits my head on a post, like how Hijikata did when smoking was banned* ah but I guess it's better that I found out about it this late, otherwise I wouldn't have started this fic because I got discouraged XD oh small world. I didn't copy the idea, I swear T_T I got it after seeing Kamui fan arts where he's so cute and really out of character n_n then I realized, he could only be out of character when he finds out that *beep, spoiler alert* or when he forgets about his character! XD Thus, the amnesia. Oh please, just let me express how amnesiac I imagine Kamui to be!~~
*sighs* Anyhow, what do you think of this start? Please tell me your comments, pleeeease~ If you have favorite lines or scenes, I would be very glad to hear about them. n_n please feel free to express yourself on the review box!~ and fuel the release of the next chapter XD hehehe, thanks again for reading! ^o^
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