Misao's Tears
By Suzi a.k.a. KatsyKat
Set in the manga, Jinchuu arc. Spoiler alert – referencing character death. *insert random non-profit disclaimer*
Misao was a girl with a very strong heart. Through the strength of her heart she forged herself into a purely optimistic girl of action.
This showed in small ways, like her inability to stay still for long periods of time or her need to fill silence with constant conversation.
It showed in larger ways like how she would catapult herself into action at even the smallest rumor regarding Aoshi's whereabouts. Or when she unequivocally took charge as the okashira of the obiwabannshu when Aoshi had lost his way.
But never before had Aoshi seen the strength she displayed as when Yahiko informed them that Kaoru Kamiya had been killed. After only moments of stunned silence and disbelief, she immediately flew into action. Her travel bag and positive words were equally effective at knocking the broken Yahiko into action. Misao shoved him through his grief, demanding explanations and promising results until the spark relit in the young swordsman eyes. She bolstered the boy, determined to gain his assistance to find the whys and specifically who was responsible for the death of her friend.
Misao leapt into action with her whole self, as she had when she dove off the cliff after Himura, pouring everything she had into accomplishing her goal and leaving no time for doubt or sorrow.
Aoshi had been faced with Misao's strength of heart on many occasions and her positivity and determination never failed to amaze him. However later that night, after a plan was made make and all that could be done in one day was done, she retired quietly to her room her energy spent. Her usually brilliant smile was cracked at the edges and her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
Aoshi followed her after a few moments and sat vigilantly outside her door in his meditating posture. Doing his best to comfort her with his presence without intruding on her grief.
It was impossible not to hear the sobs she so desperately tried to hide. She cried, as she lived, with her entire self. But with each tear she shed Aoshi became more and more determined to help her find her answers. Because Misao had already shed too many tears for him and he would be damned before he let anyone else hurt her.