Disclaimer: I do not own, nor will I ever own Rurouni Kenshin.

A/N: I regularly use POV's to switch between characters, and sometimes I do use foul language to get my point across in my writing (though not very often). Also this is my first published story so please give me as much fed-back as you can, I would really love to know what I can do to improve my writing. And one more thing (Oh my gosh I sound like the grandpa off of jackie chen adventures), I sometimes like to add extra scenes at the end of chapters; they don't go with the story line, but are more like what if scenarios. I've seen some authors do those, and I have always enjoyed them and wanted to try them out myself. Anyway... thank you for your time, and I really hope you enjoy the first chapter :)

Chapter One

Female Doctor

Kaoru's POV

It was an early spring morning in Kyoto, Japan. The sun steadily rose above the distant mountain peaks, casting the sky in a multitude of reds and oranges. Dew drops from last night's storm glistened under the sun's rays in a sea of green. A gentle breeze floated in and out of the drowsy town, leaving much to be desired for by the Kyoto residents; for farmers this was time for tending their crop, for young wives a day like this meant a trip to the market, and for soldier's stationed here it was a day of rest. Something they rarely ever saw. It was an ugly truth hidden behind a beautiful mask. Despite the appearance of a serene town, Kyoto was only a mile away from the death and destruction of a horrid war. The display of normality was only skin deep here. Tensions were rising as the front line seemed to be receding closer to town. Many families, shop owners, and government officials had already left for Tokyo, and in their wake leaving behind those who could not afford to avoid the war.

Kyoto was falling on hard times, yet the war pressed on. Many people didn't want to acknowledge the fact that they would soon be swallowed whole by the chaos of war. In fact, many continued to put up a blissful facade; choosing to ignore the boarded up empty shops, the lifeless streets, and the occasional medical units returning with injured warriors. Instead the abandoned people often came together to forge some kind of distraction. A festival, or a competition. It didn't matter so long as it took their minds of the world that was slowly caving in on them.

Now with the sun having peaked over the mountains Kyoto began to come back to life. A unit of medical carriages tore through the streets, leaving a crowd of on-lookers behind them. Women and children rummaged through the small fruit market, and a young lady by the name of Kamiya Kaoru was making her way to the Sakura Tea House. Today she would attend a meeting with Katsura Kogoro, the leader of Choshu clan. Katsura was the heart of Kyoto. He had held the town together after the first attack by the Shogunate. With his band of heroic soldiers, he managed to push the enemy line a mile away from town, and keep them there for over a year. Katsura was the most admired man in Kyoto, and for the most noblest of reasons.

Taking a deep breath, Kaoru tucked the letter from Katsura into her kimono sleeve and entered the tea house. A young geisha in a satin green robe met her at the door "Good morning Miss Kamiya." She greeted softly with a graceful, low bow. Kaoru returned the greeting with a shy smile. She had never seen a true geisha before, but she was aware of what their duty was, and admittedly it made her feel rather intimidated. These women were trained in the ways of men and grace. Everything about them must appear beautiful. Kaoru was nothing like these women, she couldn't even compare to them. Tugging at the obi belt tied tightly around her waist, she reminded herself that she would simply have to get used to it. Especially if she was going to be a doctor for Katsura's army. She had trained under Kyoto's local doctor, Dr. Gensai, for more than two years. Before moving to Tokyo Dr. Gensai had assisted Katsura and his men. Now thanks to a notice from the good, ol' doctor Kaoru was able to pick up where he had left off in his practice.

"I'm here to see Mr. Katsura Kogoro."

The girl smiled and nodded her head "Follow me please." They traveled through an open, narrow hallway, up a flight of stairs, and came to a stop at a slightly jarred shoji screen "Mr. Katsura? Miss Kamiya has arrived." The young geisha announced with her hand placed delicately against the door jam.

"Show her in Suzuki." Was the commander's gruff reply. The young girl slid back the screen and motioned for Kaoru to enter. With a slight bow she stepped into the room, and the door slid shut behind her. It was a simple, medium sized room. Clean and tidy with a polished cherry wood table front and center. Katsura sat on a white silk floor pillow behind the table "Good afternoon Miss Kamiya, please have a seat."

With as much grace as she could possibly manage Kaoru sunk down to a red floor pillow "I believe you requested my services sir." She began as she pulled the letter from her sleeve and laid it onto the table. Katsura picked up the parchment and scanned through the text "I must say I am extremely honored."

"We have never had a female doctor Miss Kamiya."

Kaoru nodded in understanding "I am aware of that sir." She replied earnestly.

Katsura stood at his full height of six foot, and looked down at the young doctor "Will you walk with me?" He smiled kindly and offered her his calloused hand. In silent compliance Kaoru slipped her hand into his. Effortlessly Katsura lifted her to her feet and escorted her out into the hallway "I should say that Dr. Gensai put in a rather good word for you Miss Kamiya." He began as he led them carefully down the stairwell "He seems to have a lot of faith in his apprentice."

"I have assisted the doctor for many years." Kaoru replied as they turned a corner into a huge dojo full of training soldiers. Practice katanas cracked against each other as young men fought their individual battles' fiercely. This was a room full of blood, sweat, and tears. This is where all of Katsura's brave samurai's began. "They work so hard to protect us." Kaoru murmured as she watched the men in silent admiration.

Katsura glanced down at the young female doctor "Indeed they do, and that is why I need you to clearly understand what my men and I will require of you Miss Kamiya." He turned his gaze back to the practicing soldiers "The job you are signing up for is not easy. It will require long nights, enough stamina to piece men back together at all hours, and a strong heart. You can never give up, and you must continue your duty regardless of the conditions. It would be grueling work, even for a man. That is why I fear it is not suitable work for a girl."

Kaoru turned to the commander with a burning determination in her deep blue eyes "Don't you see then?" Katsura raised a curious brow at this fiery young girl "That's exactly why I will be able to do this work. I am a woman, and I have never given up on anything. I didn't quit when I was ridiculed for studying medicine. I didn't quit when I performed my first surgery. I hold life as the most precious thing that can be given sir. And I made a promise that I would give that gift to everyone, regardless of why or where. That is my only motivation."

A respectful warmth struck the commanders face "Anyone can say such things Miss Kamiya. Proving the truth of those words though, that is something I will have to see for myself."

"Katsura!" A young samurai burst into the dojo, blood soaked his uniform. His face read distress.

All the men that were practicing had come to a halt, turning their attention to the injured boy. Kaoru reacted instinctively. Rushing to the samurai's side she managed to catch him before he collapsed. Gently she eased him to the floor "I need some clean cloth, warm water…" Kaoru barked orders left and right as she quickly ripped the sleeves of her kimono off and pressed it into the boy's stomach. Partly in shock the men merely stood there and listened to her commands. Kaoru gave them a glare "Dammit, he's bleeding out, get me some medical supplies now!"

Coming back to life the entire room was thrown into a frenzy "I'll get the water!" Someone yelled as the men fumbled around to gather her list of supplies.

Kaoru turned back to the patient at hand. He looked up at her with panic in his eyes "Listen to me. You're going to live, but I need you to calm down first." She knew that if she allowed him to panic he might go into shock, and then he wouldn't have a chance. "Just listen to my voice. Everything will be fine."

"Your fresh cloth and water ma'am."

"Here's the thread and needle, and a knife."

Kaoru carefully removed the soaked kimono sleeves and dipped some fresh cloth into the bowel of warm water. Working as quickly and carefully as she could, Kaoru washed away the majority of the blood in order to get a clear look at the wound. It was deep, but it seemed that the blade hadn't went all the way through. That was a good sign "Someone will have to hold him down for this." Kaoru pushed what was left of her sleeves back as one of the soldiers pressed down on the wounded's shoulders. Kaoru picked up the knife and sliced the wound a little more open. She needed to see if he was bleeding internally. The samurai screamed in excruciating pain as she slipped her hand into his stomach "Stay with me samurai." Kaoru murmured softly "You have to stay awake." Feeling her way around the liver and stomach Kaoru was relieved to find no lacerations on his major organs. Removing her hand from his body, Kaoru reached for her needle and thread "Are you still with me samurai?" She asked glancing up at his pain twisted face. He weakly nodded his head "Good because I'm almost done." One of the men gathered around her swiped a clean cloth across her forehead "Thank you." Kaoru mumbled as she began stitching up the wound.

It took all of an hour and a half for her to close him up, but she was finally done. Snipping the thread Kaoru put down her needle and relaxed for the first time in two hours "You can move him now."

Two men nodded silently and did just as she said, being as gentle as they could. Silence fell over the room, and slowly the crowd gathered around her began to disband. Kaoru stood to her feet. She was a bit shaky, but steady enough to walk. Snatching up the water bowel, Kaoru moved to an open screen door, onto the porch overlooking a Zen garden, and poured the bloody water into the dirt. She then went back and grabbed the soaked cloths. Kaoru sat down on the edge of the porch and began ringing out the blood stained rags "Dr. Gensai didn't lie about you Miss Kamiya." Glancing up Kaoru noticed that Katsura was standing beside her. Vaguely she wondered just how long he may have been there.

"He has always been a trustworthy man sir." Kaoru replied.

Katsura took a seat next to the impressive young doctor, and picked up one of those rags himself "I will always have my doubts about you and this job Miss Kamiya." He told her as he rung the rag between his calloused fingers. Kaoru looked to the commander, completely abandoning the rag in her hand. Katsura stood up "But that is why you must rid me of those doubts."

Stunned, it took Kaoru a few seconds to understand what he meant. Her blue eyes widened as everything began to process "Yes sir!" Kaoru beamed brightly with her excitement. She had proved her worth to him, for now at least. That was all she needed. Ridding another rag of its blood Kaoru looked to the mountains. The sun was slowly descending behind its peaks, almost ready to settle in for the night. The sky was once again cast in an array of fiery colors "I will make you proud Katsura Kogoro."

A half-hearted smile fell over his face "I hope you will." He muttered as he retreated inside.

Kaoru's heart swelled with pride. She had gotten her foot in the door with this job, and she was determined to show them all just how good she was. Leaning against a nearby support beam Kaoru finished with the rags a melody of the night filled the still evening air. Ringing out the last cloth she moved to her feet once again. Kaoru stretched her hands high over her head. If it was the last thing she did, she would show Katsura how much she deserved this place in his army.

"Miss Kamiya, we have more wounded coming in."

Kaoru turned on her heel and faced the messenger "I will need some clean water, and..."

A/N: So I hope that you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it. Please leave any comments you have below. Until next time