A/N: someone kill me please... i keep writing more and more fics! augh! i haven't even finished my other ones! oh well... just gotta get the idea out of my head before i forget...

Disclaimer: i don't own Rurouni Kenshin, although i DO own Tenshi and Tari (but then again, judging from teh character i'm going to make Tari into, i don't want to own her! lol)

A four year old Misao hugged her knees as she cried. Her secret hideout was completely dark except for the light that shone through a hold in the stone walls near the ceiling. Her sniffles were heard echoing throughout the cave.

What had she done wrong? Why was everyone ignoring her? Why were they pushing her away yet indulging Tari?

Tari. The name made her clench her fist in anger. Why did she have to intrude in on their lives? why couldn't she just have never existed? It was all thanks to Tari that Misao's suffering had begun in the first place.

Tari was everything Misao was and wasn't. She was beautiful, intelligent. graceful, adorable, innocent and a quick learner. She was perfect, she never got in trouble unlike Misao. So basically every time something bad happened, it was usually Misao's fault because Tari just COULDN'T make a mistake, she was too PERFECT.

This was the reason Misao was in her secret place. She had accidentally bumped into the kitchen table causing a plate to fall and break. Okon had come running in and scolded Misao for being so clumsy, asking her in the process why she couldn't be like Tari. Soon, everyone was in the kitchen, they had all asked the same question while Tari looked down at her from Aoshi's arms, her eyes seemed smug, as if she KNEW she was better and that Misao was just some shadow in the corner now.

Misao gasped as she heard a person speak to her, she was so distracted that she didn't notice a young woman come into the cave.

"Daijoubou?" she asked softly, putting a hand on Misao's shoulder.

Misao shrunk away, scared.

"H-hai..." she managed to stutter between sniffs.

"You don't seem okay..." the woman laughed solemnly.

Misao hung her head.

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'm sad too right now, maybe I could tell you what's making me sad too so we don't have to feel the pain all by ourselves" the young woman smiled. Her long black hair framing her face.

Misao looked at her, not knowing whether or not she could trust her. Reluctantly, she nodded.

"Okay, since you're still a little bit scared, I'll go first" the stranger sat down across from her and crossed her legs.

"Well, it all started like this, I was walking through the market when I saw this pretty hairpin. Of course, being a girl and all, I wanted to buy it. But I soon found out that I didn't have enough money since I needed to pay for food. So then I went around asking for money and then when i asked this man, he thought I was a beggar and peasant. He commanded the thugs that he had with him to beat me up. After that, they took my money and I didn't have anything now. I couldn't eat or buy new clothes since mine were all muddy now from being kicked into the dirt and mud. So I went into this forest here and found a stream where I washed my clothes and then I found this cave. I thought i heard someone crying and came to see who was so sad. And here I am" she spread her arms.

Misao was listening intently, "Those men are bad"

The lady giggled at her choice of words, "Yes, they are big and bad! just like the mean wolf from the story 'Little Red Riding Hood'!"

Misao laughed for the first time that day.

She stifled her laughter and looked at the person in front of her, "My name is Makimachi Misao, what's yours?"

"Nice to meet you Misao-chan, my name is Tenshi"

Misao looked puzzled, "No last name?"

Tenshi shook her head, "No, I never knew my parents, they died when I was a child, probably a year younger than you. That was 18 years ago."

"Me too... but my grandfather took care of me... but now they ignore me..." She said sadly.

"Why?"

"Because of this girl called Tari that moved in with us. She's the same age as me and is perfect. She never makes any mistakes so when anything goes wrong, they blame me. Just today I bumped into the table when I tripped and broke a plate. Then everybody came in telling me how clumsy I was and asking why I couldn't be like Tari. And she beats me at everything too! whenever I fight her while training, she always beats me and I can't even hit her! So then now everyone is only training her and not me!" Misao scowled.

Tenshi studied her a while, "You're a ninja aren't you?"

Misao nodded her head.

Tenshi looked at her again before slowly saying, "How about I teach you how to fight?"

"Can you?" Misao looked at her with hopeful eyes.

"Hai" Misao squealed and hugged the older woman.

After they pulled apart Tenshi looked outside and gasped, "I did not know it was this late already! you should be getting back to your home now even though it's painful. I can teach you starting tomorrow okay? meet me here. I hope you don't mind if I use your secret spot to stay in for a while"

Misao shook her head, "You can stay here. I'll come here at noon! Arigatou!" she called and ran out.

Misao ran through the forest and stopped as she reached the main road. Maybe today wasn't that bad after all...

"Misao-chan! Misao! Where are you!" she heard her name being called.

A sudden pang was felt in Misao's heart. She calmly walked towards the direction of the voice.

"Misao! Where are-" Aoshi, Hannya, Beshimi, Shikijou and Hyottoko stopped calling as they saw her come within sight.

Misao felt something die within her. She wasn't happy like whenever she saw her favorite mentors, but now she was... she didn't know the feeling... it was like she didn't care at all. She frowned at this but continued to walk to them anyways.

They ran up to her and Shikijou picked her up, "Where did you go? Everybody was worried about you kiddo!"

Liar... Misao thought bitterly but did not allow her face to show the emotion.

"You shouldn't run away like that Misao-chan" Beshimi said quietly.

"You could have gotten hurt... or worse" Hannya mumbled.

"Why do you care?" the words slipped out of her mouth before she could think.

Aoshi's head jerked up as he heard this, "Misao..." he said, his voice clearly startled.

She raised her head and met his eyes with hers. Aoshi could not help but widen his eyes in surprise and fear when he saw her emotionless eyes. They were so empty, it seemed like a black void, swallowing everything that gazed into them.

Misao shook her head and pushed herself away from Shikijou before landing quietly on the road.

"We should get back" she said and started to walk the familiar path back to the Aoiya.

The 5 men looked at each other, concerned. Maybe something had happened while she was out here, or maybe she was mad at them for scolding her so much. Aoshi decided that they would apologize to her later after dinner and followed her back to their home.

That night, everybody was quiet, they were all worried at the sudden change in Misao. Not even Tari could cheer anyone up.

"Misao..." Okina started.

"Nani?" she looked up at him with a frighteningly blank expression.

Okina cringed as she looked at him but willed himself to continue anyways, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong Jiya" she replied coldly.

Okina sighed, "If you're still mad about this afternoon, we're sorry. We didn't mean to make you upset."

"I'm not mad" This was true, since she felt empty right now.

"Then why are you so sad?"

"I'm not sad. I'm finished my dinner now, please excuse me" she pushed away from the table and took her tray into the kitchen before retiring to her room.

Aoshi glared at his bowl of rice. Something was obviously bothering Misao. Something big. Because no matter what, she would never say 'she didn't care' or look at them with such... such... empty eyes.

Later that evening, Misao sat in the courtyard looking up into the stars.

"Can we sit with you Misao-chan?" Hannya's voice startled her. She looked at the 6 people standing beside her. Aoshi, Hannya, Beshimi, Shikijou, Hyottoko and Tari.

She scowled inwardly at Tari but shrugged, indicating that she didn't mind.

"Aoshi-sama! look at that star! it's so pretty!" Misao growled at Tari's voice. ' Aoshi-sama' was her term for referring to the Okashira.

"Aa, it's very bright" Misao scowled even more at hearing Aoshi's 'happy' voice.

They started to speak happily. After 3 minutes, Misao couldn't stand it anymore and went to her room. The Oniwaban looked at her retreating form. Aoshi slid Tari off his knee and got up to follow her.

Once Misao had reached her room, she closed the door and laid down on her futon. She closed her eyes and recalled the day's events. Tenshi. She seemed like a nice lady. Misao couldn't wait to see and talk to her again.

A knock interrupted her thoughts, "Misao-chan?" Aoshi's voice was heard through the door.

Misao willed herself to stay under control, "Come in"

She heard the shouji door slide open and shut. The ruffling of clothes was heard behind her and she guessed that Aoshi had sat down.

"Misao-chan, what's bothering you?" he asked the question he had been wanting to ask all day.

"Nothing"

"I never taught you to lie"

"You never teach me anything anymore" once again, the words slipped out of her mouth before she realized it.

Aoshi flinched at her cold accusation, "Ie, that's not true"

Misao 'hmph'ed and turned to her side so that she was facing away from Aoshi instead of facing the ceiling.

They sat there in silence for 5 minutes before Aoshi reached over and gathered her into his arms.

"Misao.. tell me what's wrong" he commanded lightly, cradling her head to his shoulder.

The four year old shook her head stubbornly.

"Misao..." Aoshi was getting frustrated now.

"Why do you care?" she repeated the same sentence that she had earlier that afternoon. The same sentence that had started this entire questioning.

"Why wouldn't I care?" he countered.

"Because you think I cause trouble and is nothing more than some girl that annoys you. Not to mention, I'm not perfect like you want me to be" her voice was bitter as she spat out the sentence.

"Misao... I'm sorry, I... We never meant to hurt you..."

"Hmph..." she then muttered something inaudible.

Part of Aoshi had wanted to hear what she had said out of pure curiosity but another half of him was afraid that it might make him feel more guilty.

"How about you come with us to the dojo to train tomorrow?" Aoshi proposed, trying to make her feel better.

"I'm busy tomorrow" Aoshi cringed inwardly, he didn't know whether she was avoiding them or she hated them so much that she couldn't stand their presence.

Aoshi sighed, he couldn't think of anything else to make the little girl happy.

"Alright... then if you want anything, just ask"

"Okay" he left the room.

That night, Misao cried herself to sleep. Did they even remember it was her birthday tomorrow?

The next day, Aoshi, Tari and the others had left the Aoiya early in the morning, probably to go to the market on their way to the dojo. Misao was left all alone, but that was good, because they wouldn't know where she would be going.

She grabbed all her weapons and headed back to her secret spot where she had promised to meet Tenshi. Her heart was heavy as she trudged along the road. Today was her birthday, today was supposed to be a happy day. Tears had started to build up in her eyes but she had willed herself not to cry. As soon as she reached the cave, she entered. Tenshi was standing there waiting for her. As soon as Misao saw her she burst into tears and flung herself at the older woman.

"Shh... don't cry..." she cooed trying to calm Misao down.

"They... they d-didn't even re-remember my-my b-bir-birthday!" she wailed.

"Shhh... hush now... how about I take you to the markets today and we can get you a weapon for yourself as a birthday gift from me?" Tenshi pulled away and looked at the crying four year old.

Misao made an attempt to smile through her tears and nodded. Tenshi grabbed her hand and started walking. A ray of hope glimmered in Misao's dark heart.

"Aoshi-sama?" Tari called.

Aoshi didn't seem to hear because he was too engrossed with his own thoughts.

"Aoshi-sama!" Tari tugged on his coat.

He snapped out of his daze and looked down at the little girl walking beside him.

"Nani?"

"When are we going to reach the dojo?" she asked in an angelic voice. (A/N: damn you Tari! go jump off a cliff and die!)

"Soon" they were now walking through the markets on their path towards the dojo. They had planned to teach Tari some new ninja techniques to further enhance her ninja training.

A familiar flash of blue caught his eye. Was that Misao? he turned his head to get a better view but couldn't see anything. He shook his head, he must be imagining things.

But as soon as he continued walking like normal, he could've swore he saw another flash of blue! and a braid to go along with it too!

He jerked his head again.

"Aoshi-sama? What is it Aoshi-sama?" Tari's voice floated to his ears.

"Nothing"

Misao stared in awe as she looked at the many weapons on the walls, "Sugoi..." she breathed.

"Pick whichever you like Misao-chan" Tenshi smiled and pushed her forwards, encouraging her.

Misao looked at the many different weapons. Her eyes wandered over to the bows. Nah. Too easy to defeat, she thought. She then looked at the swords. Nope, too heavy. Katana? Uh-uh, she wasn't good enough to play offensive yet, and if she did play offensive, it needed to be a long distance weapon. Finally, she looked at the spears. A shiny blue Chinese styled one caught her eye. She reached up and took it off the shelf. Well, this was definitely long range combat she though. When she touched the handle, she felt it shift. She tried pulling it with no success then tried turning it. Much to her surprise, it turned quite easily, she pulled it out. Misao gasped. It was a Kodachi. Curious, she peered into the opening in which the blade came out only to see a faint glint of metal. She looked at the spearhead of the spear. Reaching cautiously, she grabbed the part just belown the blade and turned. Another Kodachi. Misao smiled. This was DEFINATELY her weapon of choice.

"Tenshi-san? can I have this one?" Misao asked politely.

"Oooo... very pretty! it seems very strong too! just like you Misao-chaaann" Tenshi smiled and pinched her cheeks.

Misao giggled and swatted at her hands looking hopefully up at her.

The older girl chuckled, "Of course you can have it"

Misoa grinned but immediately frowned, "Ne... Tenshi-san, how are we going to pay for it?"

"Dai-jou-bou" the 21 year old waved a finger in front of her nose.

"OI! YUHI! ARE YOU HERE!" she yelled.

A shuffle was heard and a young man appeared from somewhere...

"Ohayou Tenshi" he greeted.

"Ohayou. Anyways, this was the little girl I told you about. It turns out today is her birthday and would you believe it, her family and friends totally forgot about it! but I'm here to get her the best birthday present she'll ever get!"

Yuhi looked at the four year old girl who was holding the blue spear/kodachi fondly. He bent down so he was eye to eye with her.

"Do you like that spear?" he asked.

"Hai..." she murmured softly.

"Then how about I give it to you for free?"

Misao looked at him with wide eyes, "Honto ne?" she asked in a whisper.

"Hai"

Misao dropped the spear and hugged him, repeating 'thank you' over and over again.

"Think of it as a birthday gift from Tenshi and me" he winked and Misao giggled.

"Arigatou Yuhi-kun!" Misao yelled and waved as she exited the store with her new weapon strapped onto her back. It was covered with a cloth as to not frighten the civilians on the street.

Misao grinned. This birthday was far more better than the ones she had spent at the Aoiya. She began to hum and happy tune and skipped joyfully by Tenshi's side as they returned to the forest to train.

Tenshi and Misao trained long into the night. Even though it was raining. So far, Misao had increased her speed, strength and coordination by a great deal so she could now move fast and efficiently and deal great blows.

Misao was getting used to using twin Kodachi's and a spear instead of using kunai's. It had been awkward at first but now she could do a series of combo's that either involved pinning the opponent to the wall, cutting them in half, chopping their heads off, or completely demolishing them.

Misao never dreamed that Tenshi could teach her so much and that she was so skilled at weapons. Maybe someday she would be as good as Tenshi. Someday...

Back at the Aoiya, Aoshi paced feverently in the meeting room. The others were also fidgeting impatiently.

Aoshi couldn't stand it anymore, "Where on earth is she!" he growled.

Hannya flinched. He knew that Aoshi was going to make a drastic decision soon.

Omasu sighed and let her eyes wander over the room. The clock had struck 1 o clock a.m and Misao STILL wasn't home. She then let her eyes drift to every member of the Oniwabanshuu in the room. Hannya was staring down in his seat, clearly ill at ease. Beshimi kept twiddling his thumbs and looking up hopefully every time he heard a sound outside in the rain. Shikijou and Hyottoko were practically drowning themselves in sake to try and get rid of the worry but their fear kept them sober. Okina, Okon, Shuro and Kuro were sitting by the entrance, peering into the night hoping to get a hint that Misao had come home. Finally after she had studied everybody in the room carefully, she flopped backwards and sighed, closing her eyes. After 2 minutes, she opened them again and gazed at the calendar. Her eyes wandering over to the present... I mean past day. She froze.

"Oh no..." She gasped out loud.

Aoshi, already high strung looked at her irritably.

Omasu's eyes were wide with horror and her mouth agape.

"OH no oh no oh no..." she kept repeating.

"Well spit it out already!" Shikijou drawled out.

Omasu got up, took the calendar from it's place on the wall and flung it at Aoshi's face, "take a look for yourself!"

Aoshi caught the calendar and looked at it. His heart sank as he looked at it.

"Shit..." he cursed. He threw the calendar back over his shoulder and instantly started preparing his trench coat and kodachi.

"What? what is it?" they asked him.

"Misao's not going to come home after this... there's no way she would come home... DAMMIT!" he scowled.

"Tell us already!"

Aoshi growled in annoyance, "What day is today?" he hinted them.

Aoshi watched as each one of them let their face fall and horror replace the expression.

Okina sat there on the ground dazed, "We forgot all about Misao-chan's birthday..."

"If we don't find her quick, she could get sick! Or worse…" Aoshi quickly said and ran out into the night, every single one of the ninja members following him.

Please be okay Misao... The leader of the Oniwabanshuu thought desperately as he raced through the town of Kyoto searching for the lost child.

"Misao-chan... I think we've practiced enough, you should probably go home" Tenshi said as her bangs dripped with sweat mingled with water.

"I'm not going home" she stated emotionlessly.

"Then come into the cave"

"No... let me stay out here a little longer please..."

Tenshi was reluctant but one glance at Misao's eyes made her nod her head.

"Alright... but come in soon..." Tenshi retreated into the dark cave.

Misao looked up into the sky and let her weapon droop in her hands. The rain was washing away her tears and sweat. It felt refreshing somehow...

"MISAO-CHAN! MISAO!" she heard distant yelling. No, she must be imagining things, maybe she had gotten sick and was starting to hear things.

"MISAO-CHAN!" there it was again! the same desperate plea! but who would come and look for her? no one cared about her.

She continued to stare up into the rain.

"MISAO!" the voice seemed nearer now. For some reason, Misao was drawn to the voice, she quickly went into the cave dropped her weapon, and muttered a quick 'see you tomorrow' and went out to follow the voice.

Misao stumbled through the bushes and sea of trees. Almost there... she could hear the voice so clearly now...

Misao stopped for a moment to clutch her head. Why was she so dizzy? why did her head hurt so much? but she clambered on non the less.

"MISAO!" so close... almost there.

"MISAO!" there! she finally found the owner of the voice but she couldn't see who it belonged to for her entire world became black. The last thing she remembered was a pair of strong arms catching her and a vaguely familiar voice yelling her name...

A/N: Like it? Hate it? tell me in a review! oh yeah, and could someone please tell me when "Kenshin Kaden' is coming out? or could you tell me any information about it? it would be greatly y appreciated. THANKS!